Endangered Species

Landmark Expansion For 4 National Wildlife Refuges With Help From The National Wildlife Refuge Association

Landmark Expansion For 4 National Wildlife Refuges With Help From The National Wildlife Refuge Association

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently shared some good news for conservation efforts throughout the United States. Four national wildlife refuges have been expanded, protecting up to 1.13 million acres of newly protected wildlife habitat across New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas. This announcement is particularly exciting for the National Wildlife Refuge Association, which played a significant role in expanding two critical refuges in Texas - Aransas and Big Boggy NWRs. The other two refuges that received expansions are Roanoke River NWR in North Carolina and Muleshoe NWR, which spans the border between New Mexico and Texas.

Soaring Back From The Brink: The Story Of The California Condor

Soaring Back From The Brink: The Story Of The California Condor

Imagine the vast expanse of the California sky, dotted with the silhouettes of majestic birds with nine-foot wingspans. These were the California Condors, once soaring freely across the continent, playing a critical role in their ecosystems. But tragedy struck, and their numbers plummeted to the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, they are slowly reclaiming their rightful place in the sky, and the National Wildlife Refuge System plays a vital role in their remarkable comeback.

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Prowling Back From The Brink: The Florida Panthers’ Tale of Triumph & Challenge

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Prowling Back From The Brink: The Florida Panthers’ Tale of Triumph & Challenge

Florida Panthers are subspecies of Mountain Lion and are known for their elusive nature. They are highly independent and territorial, except when mating or raising kittens. Compared to other subspecies, Florida Panthers have characteristics of a crooked tail, unique patches on their fur, and black markings that highlight the tips of their tails, ears, and snout. They prefer warm climates like swamps, wetlands, and upland forests. In the past, their range extended beyond Florida, and many wild panthers were spotted in the Gulf Coast states, between Florida and Louisiana, and even in Arkansas. However, today, a majority of the remaining wild panthers can be found only in the southwestern tip of Florida, with an estimated population of just over 200 individuals. 

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Celebrating Success: The Remarkable Return of the Black-Footed Ferret

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Celebrating Success: The Remarkable Return of the Black-Footed Ferret

During our Refuges For Recovery campaign, we highlight one of the Endangered Species Act's most iconic success stories: the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). Not too long ago, these elusive creatures teetered on the brink of extinction, with only a handful left in the wild. Today, we're proud to say that the black-footed ferret population is steadily growing, thanks to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of conservationists, scientists, and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Celebrating Endangered Species Day: Nurturing Wildlife in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Celebrating Endangered Species Day: Nurturing Wildlife in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Happy Endangered Species Day! On this special day dedicated to endangered species, we gather to celebrate the profound significance of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act—a milestone that underscores our commitment to protecting and preserving our imperiled wildlife. As we explore the importance of these national wildlife refuges, we find inspiration in the teachings of those who have urged us to embrace a land ethic—a transformative perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness and intrinsic value of all species. Let us delve into the significance of the Refuge System and the crucial role it plays in nurturing species, especially those threatened and endangered.

Proposed Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area: A Partnership Driven Approach

Proposed Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area: A Partnership Driven Approach

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is embarking on an ambitious new effort to establish a Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area. If successful, a new conservation area would allow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to work with willing landowners to protect the lands most important to our water and wildlife in one of the most biologically diverse regions in our country.

Enhancing Texas Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuges & The Lands Beyond Their Boundaries

Enhancing Texas Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuges & The Lands Beyond Their Boundaries

The National Wildlife Refuge Association has been involved in projects to assist national wildlife refuges and areas beyond their boundaries on the Texas Gulf Coast for many years with an emphasis on conservation planning, community engagement, and land acquisition. In the past, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has been involved with projects focused on the Texas Chenier Plain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and the Bahia Grande Coastal Corridor benefiting Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

Where (Endangered) Wildlife Come First

Where (Endangered) Wildlife Come First

What we found is astounding: 513 ESA-listed species are found or are dependent on at least 444 refuges.

Here we celebrate the refuge system and the diversity of imperiled species that call it home, reveal critical threats to refuges and their wildlife, and look to the future of America's public lands network dedicated to our wildlife.