Introduction
For more than 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has been one of America’s greatest conservation success stories. It has helped prevent the extinction of hundreds of species and contributed to the recovery of iconic wildlife including the Bald Eagle, Florida Panther, American Crocodile, Humpback Whale, Florida Manatee, Green Sea Turtle, and many others.
Wildlife cannot survive without a place to live.
For decades, federal agencies interpreted the Endangered Species Act to recognize that destroying the habitat an endangered species depends upon could itself constitute unlawful “harm.” In July 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service finalized a rule repealing that long-standing regulatory definition. Supporters say the change restores the law’s original meaning and reduces regulatory burdens, while opponents argue it weakens one of the Act’s most important protections for wildlife habitat.
Habitat is not optional.
Without healthy forests, wetlands, rivers, beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, and grasslands, endangered wildlife cannot recover.
Why This Matters
Every species depends on habitat.
A Florida Panther needs connected forests.
A Green Sea Turtle needs nesting beaches.
An American Crocodile needs healthy mangrove estuaries.
A Bald Eagle needs safe nesting habitat.
Protecting wildlife means protecting the places they call home.
Take Action for America’s Wildlife
Take all four actions below. Together, they take only a few minutes and will make the greatest impact for America’s wildlife.
Support the Organizations Defending Wildlife
Several respected conservation organizations have challenged the new federal rule in court, working to preserve strong protections for endangered species and their habitats.
Learn more about their work and consider supporting them:
- Earthjustice – Leads environmental litigation nationwide.
- Center for Biological Diversity – Protects endangered species and wild places.
- Defenders of Wildlife – Focuses on native wildlife and habitat conservation.
- Sierra Club – Works to protect public lands, wildlife, and ecosystems.
If you believe wildlife deserves a future, please share this campaign with your family and friends. Every voice matters.
Help others understand why habitat protection is essential for wildlife conservation.
Our Position
WildlifeVOICE believes the greatest conservation victories are never achieved by one person or one organization alone. They are achieved when scientists, conservation organizations, educators, responsible businesses, policymakers, and concerned citizens unite behind science and a shared commitment to protecting wildlife. We proudly support and collaborate with others working to conserve the natural world, because together we can accomplish far more than any of us can alone.
