Wildlife Weekly Wrap-Up

Local Citizens Monitor Elusive Wildlife
From December to May this year, 150 Montanans (with ages ranging from seven to 70) helped us in our partnership with the Bitterroot National Forest to collect data and photos on rare carnivores, such as wolverines. This information can help with forest planning efforts and contribute to the broader understanding of where these animals live. “Not only are these data valuable to help guide management and increase understanding of where these rare wolverines, fishers and other critters live, it’s also a fantastic way to engage locals in wildlife conservation and management,” said Kylie Paul, Defenders Rockies and Plains Representative who started Wolverine Watchers in 2014. “It’s a strong model using citizen science that we hope others will continue to use and expand upon.” Here’s a great video overview of the program we know you’ll love; and view this time-lapsed set of wildlife photos from one of the monitoring stations.

Bison as America’s National Mammal
The National Bison Legacy Act, which aims to honor the animal’s significance to our country’s history, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this week and is expected to pass out of the Senate soon. By 1902, only 25 bison remained in the wild in the U.S., seeking refuge deep within Yellowstone National Park. Today, this Yellowstone herd numbers around 4,500 animals, making it the largest wild herd. We’re thrilled to see bison enter the national spotlight; this designation highlights the importance of our continued work to restore this species throughout its historic range! As Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) said in a recent statement: “The bison, like the bald eagle, has for many years been a symbol of America for its strength, endurance and dignity, reflecting the pioneer spirit of our country.”

NDAA Once Again Loaded Down With Anti-Wildlife Riders
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is annual legislation that guides defense spending and programs. The House Armed Services Committee marked up the bill this week, and just like last year, this year’s NDAA is burdened with amendments that harm wildlife, overturning a multiyear and multi-million dollar effort to conserve greater sage-grouse habitat. A rider also blocked the addition of the sage-grouse to the Endangered Species Act for at least a decade. Lawmakers with an agenda to advance oil and gas drilling also included riders that remove or block federal protections for the American burying beetle and lesser prairie chicken. And to top it all off, another rider undermines management of our largest national wildlife refuge in the lower 48 by transferring primary jurisdiction of more than 800,000 acres to the Air Force. The Department of Defense didn’t request the transfer, nor do they need it to continue training exercises on and adjacent to the refuge. In fact, none of these unrelated amendments are needed for military preparedness, and conservation allies in Congress weren’t fooled. Take a look at Representative Jackie Speier’s (D-CA 14th) amazing poster below:

So much drama with the LPC pic.twitter.com/JJM7T1TdRd

— House Armed Services (@HASCDemocrats) April 27, 2016

Wildlife Trafficking Bill Passes Colorado House
We are happy to report that the Colorado House of Representatives has passed a wildlife trafficking bill that bans trade in any part or product of several imperiled species, including rhinos, elephants, sharks, cheetahs and sea turtles, with an exemption for ivory in antiques, guns and musical instruments. Wildlife trafficking is a global problem and thousands of species are taken from their habitat and sold around the world every day. Want to learn more? Check out our report on wildlife trafficking between Latin America and the United States.

Mexican Gray Wolf Milestone
Thursday marked 40 years since the Mexican gray wolf, or lobo, was first listed under the Endangered Species Act. This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to complete a full recovery plan, with the ultimate goal of a healthy, sustainable Mexican gray wolf population in the wild. And while this is a step in the right direction for lobo recovery, there are still many to go. The wild population is currently facing a genetic diversity crisis because not enough wolves are being released from a captive breeding program into the wild, leading to smaller litters and lower pup survival – a recipe for extinction. Our experts continue to work hard day in and day out to recover the lobo, and in this milestone year, we need your help. Ask Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to release more Mexican gray wolves into the wild today!