Defenders in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains
Gray Wolf, © Richard Seeley / National Geographic Stock
Landscape, © Robbie George / National Geographic Stock

Defenders in Action: Protecting Vital Wildlife Habitat

State Wildlife Action Plans are perhaps the most important tool for conserving a wide range of species and habitats at the state level. Defenders works with states to support on-the-ground initiatives to conserve the most species and habitats and to strengthen this important conservation tool.

How We’re Helping

  • Defenders is fighting to protect lesser-known species such as lynx, fishers and wolverines that inhabit some of the most pristine remaining wilderness in the West. Not only do these areas support endangered wildlife, but they are also vital to maintaining a healthy environment that provides us with clean air, clean water and abundant natural resources.
  • Defenders is taking action to prevent disruption of wildlife corridors for oil and gas drilling, winter recreation and other purposes. These remote areas allow animals to migrate and will be increasingly important as climate change alters many species’ ranges.
More on Defenders in the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains: Other Initiatives »

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Policy
Eighty percent of threatened and endangered species rely on privately owned land for their habitat needs and in the U.S. most of our private land is managed by farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.
Grizzly Bear, © Lisa Sidorsky
Defenders in Action
Bears die when they get into trouble with people’s garbage, livestock, when they are hit by cars and trains or illegally killed. By preventing these conflicts we can keep bears alive and on the road to recovery.
Defenders President Jamie Rappaport Clark, © Krista Schlyer
In the Magazine
Our country would look very different today if it were not for the actions of some thoughtful leaders, activists and scientists about 40 years ago.