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Manatees in the Midst
They weigh over a ton, are North America's closest living relative to the elephant and may be as smart as dolphins. But the fate of
the manatee is in our hands. While populations of these slow-moving creatures seem to be on the rise, endangered manatees still face
many hurdles to recovery. Rapid coastal development and speeding boats continue to take their toll on these iconic creatures.
Writer Nick Jans takes a look at Florida's manatee population in the latest edition of Defenders Magazine
Also in the Magazine: Mexico's Parrot Trade Exposed and The Great Bear Count
Speak Out for Wildlife in a Warming World
Congress is poised to take the first steps to address global warming -- one of the most pressing issue facing our planet. Scientists
warn that global warming could threaten one-third of the world's plant and vertebrate animal species with extinction by 2050. That's
why it's crucial that comprehensive global warming legislation include dedicated policies and funding to ensure wildlife can
survive.
More than 33,000 Defenders supporters have already contacted their Representatives urging Congress to dedicate funding to help polar
bears, wolves and other wildlife survive in a warming world.
5 Things to Save Sea Turtles
Sea turtle nesting season is underway on Florida's beaches -- and these ancient mariners need all the help they can get. Although
nearly 90 percent of sea turtle nesting in the U.S. occurs in Florida, over the last decade nesting rates in the state have dropped
more than 40 percent for the loggerhead turtle. Florida's coastal residents and beach visitors can help sea turtles during the
nesting season by keeping beaches clean, being aware of nesting sites and reducing artificial lighting near beaches that can
distract and confuse mothers and hatchlings and lead to their death.
Download our fact sheet "5 Things You Can Do To Save Sea Turtles" (PDF) and learn how you can help. Better yet, print it out and
post it in local shops to spread the word.
It's not too late to adopt a sea turtle or other wildlife for Mom's special day from the Wildlife Adoption Center. Simply place your
order and send Mom an eCard to let her know this special gift is on the way
Defenders Helps Oregon Ranchers, Wolves
When wolves were suspected of killing several sheep on an Oregon ranch, Defenders quickly stepped in to offer help. We contributed
fladry and other non-lethal tools to prevent any further predations and have offered compensation to the sheep producer for losses
attributed to wolves. This was Oregon's first wolf depredation incident since they returned to the state in 1999.
Learn more about how Defenders helps prevent wolf/livestock conflicts
Petition for the Birds
The Federal Communications Commission has replied to a petition filed by Defenders, American Bird Conservancy and National Audubon
Society to address fatal migratory bird collisions with the 100,000 communications towers across the U.S by opening a public comment
period. The petition was accompanied by more than 15,000 signatures from citizens (including more than 11,000 Defenders supporters)
concerned about our feathered friends.
You can still sign the petition to help save birds -- take action today.
House Helps Rare Wildlife
The House of Representatives has passed two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting rare wild cats, dogs and struggling birds last
month. The Great Cats and Rare Canids Act provides vital funds for on-the-ground conservation of cheetahs, clouded leopards and
other wildlife around the world. The Crane Conservation Act, also passed by the House, supports some of the rarest birds on the
planet.
Alaska's Wolf Killing Presses On
Despite the end of another bloody aerial gunning season that claimed the lives of more than 250 wolves in Alaska, the Palin
administration has indicated that it will continue to kill wolves through other means.
Defenders in Action
Last month, key Defenders supporters and members of our board headed to Capito Hill to meet with elected officials and advocate on
behalf of wildlife struggling to survive in a warming world.
Among the advocates were wildlife biologist and TV host Jeff Corwin and actress Ashley Judd. These celebrities (and Defenders board
members) took time out of their busy schedule to speak out on Capitol Hill for polar bears and other wildlife struggling in a
warming world.
Both testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, and urged lawmakers to
not only ensure that comprehensive climate and energy legislation addresses carbon pollution, but also deals with the effects of
rising temperatures on wildlife and the places it lives.
Learn more and read their testimony.
You can also make your voice heard.
Painted Bunting
With splashes of bright plumage, the painted bunting is one of North America's most colorful birds. But disappearing habitat and
illegal capture for the exotic pet trade is taking its toll on these songbirds.
Learn more about painted buntings in Defenders Magazine.
Greener Lawns
Want a healthy lawn without the toxins? Beyond Pesticides can help with hints for a safer lawn.
Learn more from Beyond Pesticides.
Upcoming Events
Whether you are an activist looking for ways to make your voice heard or a biologist seeking a conference where you can share your
latest paper, Defenders has an event for you.
Click here for the latest upcoming events.
C Copyright 2009 Defenders of Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and
plants in their natural communities.
Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at:
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
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