Defenders' Experts
Threats to Wildlife
From global warming to habitat destruction, disease and invasive species, our nation’s wildlife is under threat. Defenders is on the forefront of these issues, providing expertise to lawmakers and wildlife managers on ways to ensure our nation’s wildlife survive and thrive.
Offshore Drilling
Offshore oil and gas drilling is a risky and dangerous operation, posing serious threats to marine wildlife, birds and coastal habitats.
Learn more about Offshore Drilling.
Global Warming
Global warming is one of the gravest threats facing wildlife today, and plants and animals around the country are in real danger of falling victim because their habitat is changing too rapidly for them to keep up.
Learn more about Global Warming
Habitat Loss
Habitat loss is the leading threat to biodiversity in the U.S. It is more prevalent and affects more species than disease, pesticides, invasives or global warming.
Disease
Many disease threats to birds, mammals, amphibians and fish originated in other parts of the world. These pose a particular threat because most native species lack an immune response.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are plants, animals, and microbes that are out of place and out of control. Nearly half of the species currently listed under the Endangered Species Act are threatened by invasive species.
Learn more about Invasive Species
Overexploitation
Overexploitation of natural resources, through unsustainable hunting, fishing, or extraction of raw material, can result in the extinction of species and the loss of genetic diversity within others.
Learn more about Overexploitation
