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Protecting Wildlife: PEER Presses Agencies to Act

PEER works with current and former government employees to shine a light on threats to America’s wildlife – and to take the actions needed to save our species and protect biodiversity.

We recognize the urgent need to protect species in the face of a global extinction crisis.

Wildlife species are threatened by habitat destruction, climate shifts, over hunting and fishing, and mismanagement by private and government entities. PEER works with public employees to identify issues of concern and protect wildlife, in many cases from the actions of public agencies. We use legal and advocacy tools to help protect all species.

Explore the pages below to learn what PEER has been doing for species in trouble, and how you can help.

Wolves

Too often, state and federal agencies abet the scapegoating of this apex predator by ranchers. PEER defends scientific research and supports actions critical to the ongoing recovery of gray wolves.

Pollinators & Pesticides

Pesticides threaten bees and other pollinators that sustain flowering plants and our food supply. PEER highlights key new science and exposes coverups of the dangers of pervasive pesticide use.

North Atlantic Right Whales

Collisions with ships and fishing gear threaten whale survival in our coastal waters. They can recover, but only if NOAA takes decisive action.

Manatees

During the past dozen years, the endangered Florida manatee has made only tenuous progress toward recovery. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service must act.

Greater Sage Grouse

Habitat and nesting ground destruction threaten this iconic bird. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management oversees more sage grouse habitat than any other entity, and PEER is using data to show how BLM is waiving habitat protections for oil and gas operations.

Photo of an adult brown bear and 3 cubs sitting in grass near a body of water

Predator Protection

States are permitting or encouraging trophy hunting and other practices threatening wolves, bears and other predator species without regard for sustainable levels. PEER believes federal funding should be contingent on compliance with sound conservation policy.

Wild Horses

Wild horses are often incorrectly scapegoated for damaging rangelands, rounded up and auctioned off. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management should use its own data on land health to inform better decision-making.

Photo of a flock of ducks flying over a body of water

Migratory Birds

Migratory birds face many perils due to disruption of habitat and migratory patterns. PEER and public employees are fighting for action to protect them.

A SNAPSHOT OF PEER’S PAST EFFORTS

Here are some examples of how PEER is working to make a difference:

Filed suit in an effort to restore protections to the beleaguered Louisiana black bear, challenging FWS’ claim of “recovery” for the species.
Called out the National Park Service for dismantling its globally renowned Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Program at Padre Island and for issuing deceptive public statements.
Achieved steps to prevent ship strikes on the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. We continue campaigning for action as the death toll mounts.
Exposed the biggest aerial shooting of wildlife in Alaska’s history with a toll including nearly 100 brown bears, five black bears and five wolves.
Revealed the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service policy that slaughtered tens of thousands of double-crested cormorants every year to benefit catfish farmers.
Exposed the failure of state and federal officials to save the Florida panther from what biologists agree is a high likelihood of extinction in the absence of protections.

FACTSHEET | Federal Wildlife Funding: Pittman-Robertson Act

May 15, 2022

The Pittman-Robertson Act was enacted in 1937 was intended to promote preservation and restoration of wildlife habitats.

Foreign Research Vessels Free to Wreak Eco-Havoc

Apr 14, 2022

No Notice, Permits, or Monitoring; Mass Beaching of Rare Whales Probed

Another Record Manatee Mortality Year Unfolding

Mar 11, 2022

400 Manatee Perish in First Two Months as Seagrasses Continue Retreat

PEERMail | Migratory Bird Whistleblower Case Goes to Judge

Feb 22, 2022

Whistleblower case highlights the Biden administration failing to protect employees who stood up to the excesses of the Trump presidency.

STATEMENT | Federal Protections Restored to Gray Wolves

Feb 11, 2022

A federal judge today reinstated Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolves but our work to protect these apex predators is far from over.