President Donald Trump announced the rollback of environmental protections under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, arguing the law hindered human activity, while environmentalists strongly condemned the move as a threat to species habitats.
The Trump administration's Interior Department canceled a rule granting automatic protections to threatened species, requiring individualized plans instead. This change, which also mandates economic impact analysis for habitat designation, is seen by critics as weakening the Endangered Species Act and benefiting industry over conservation.
Environmental groups warn climate change is causing a "catastrophic mortality event" for Pacific gray whales due to food depletion from melting sea ice. Other factors like ship strikes and pollution also contribute, leading to a near halving of the population since 2019. A petition to relist them under the Endangered Species Act is pending.
The latest IUCN Red List reveals many species, including deep-sea molluscs and the desert rain frog, are threatened by human activities like deep-sea mining and diamond mining. Conservation efforts have helped the numbat rebound, but five Australian marsupials are now extinct.
Research at California's Topaz Solar Farms and California Valley Solar Ranch shows that solar facilities, with predator-proof fencing and panels providing cover, offer an unexpected refuge for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, improving survival and reproductive rates.
Endangered San Joaquin kit foxes are finding refuge in California's Topaz Solar Farms and California Valley Solar Ranch. Specially designed fencing and solar panel structures provide protection from predators and space for denning and breeding, boosting survival rates.
The US government and biotech firm Colossal Biosciences announced a partnership to sequence the genomes and preserve tissue samples of all 2,300+ endangered species in the US. This initiative aims to aid future conservation efforts, including assisted reproduction and potential restoration, despite the unexpected nature of the collaboration given each party's past stances.
The US government is partnering with Colossal Biosciences to establish a national genetic repository for endangered and threatened species, collecting DNA and tissues for cryopreservation. This effort, led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, comes as the Trump administration faces criticism for weakening environmental protections.
A study suggests Hong Kong's yellow-crested cockatoos possess genetic traits crucial for saving their critically endangered Indonesian counterparts. Researchers propose conserving the urban population as a 'biodiversity ark' to prevent extinction.
China reports significant progress in protecting rare and endangered species, with wild populations of over 200 rare animals and 100 endangered plants showing recovery. Key successes include the growing Hainan gibbon population, record Siberian tiger cubs, and successful snow leopard reintroduction.
Environmental groups in Canada fear a new oil pipeline could harm endangered southern resident orcas, as the government considers exempting major projects from species protection laws.
House Republicans abruptly canceled a scheduled vote on the ESA Amendments Act, which would weaken endangered species protections, after concerns from Florida lawmakers worried about oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), faced opposition from Republicans representing tourism-dependent areas along the Gulf, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) posting 'Don\'t tread on my turtles. Protected means protected.' The vote was scheduled for Earth Day.
Elon Musk sparked controversy by calling Australians an "endangered species" in response to data showing Australia’s fertility rate has fallen to 1.48 births per woman—below the 2.1 replacement rate. The comment, made on X, drew criticism for being exaggerated and ignoring migration-driven population growth. The backlash has fueled broader discussion about housing costs, childcare expenses, and economic uncertainty affecting family planning.
A new report reveals Natural England has not designated any new Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) since 2023, failing in its duty to protect England's most precious wildlife habitats. Fourteen potential SSSIs on the watchdog's waiting list face planning applications for major development, with 12 already approved. One site in Thurrock earmarked for protection will be destroyed by the Tilbury 3 port development. SSSIs protect just 7.1% of England - lower than any EU country - despite government commitments to protect 30% of land by 2030.
