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No. 1,341, March 19, 2026 |
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Saving Blue Tree Monitors From the U.S. Pet Trade |
The Center for Biological Diversity just sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to permanently protect blue tree monitor lizards under the Endangered Species Act — which would ban their import and sale for the U.S. pet trade, the biggest threat to their survival. Coveted for their brilliant blue hue, these lizards live only on one Indonesian island — but U.S. imports are increasing as the their population plummets.
“It’s gut wrenching that federal officials have already recognized the immense danger these lizards face but are now leaving them in limbo,” said Center scientist Dianne DuBois. “While blue tree monitors await protections, poachers keep collecting and importing them from the wild to put them in cages — trading them into extinction.” The second Trump administration hasn’t protected a single species, foreign or domestic, under the Endangered Species Act since taking office. |
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In Court to Stop the Extinction Committee |
On Wednesday the Center filed an emergency lawsuit against Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to stop him from convening a panel called the Endangered Species Committee, aka the Extinction Committee, on March 31. The committee rarely meets because the Endangered Species Act sets strict, narrow standards for its invocation — none of which Burgum has met.
He wants the committee to approve the extinction of critically endangered Rice’s whales — of whom only about 51 are left — and the killing of endangered sea turtles and sperm whales by overriding essential protections to fast-track oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. “Burgum’s committee is immoral, illegal, and unnecessary,” said the Center’s Executive Director Kierán Suckling. “We won 90% of our suits during Trump’s first term, and we’ll win this one too.”
But we can't do it without your support. Give to our Freedom Defense Fund to join the fight. |
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Join Us to Rally Against Trump, for the People |
Every time President Donald Trump escalates his attacks on people, the environment, and our rights, the nonviolent movement opposing his actions only grows stronger and more determined. That’s why millions will come together again on Saturday, March 28, to make clear to this administration and the world: These attacks must stop. The Unites States doesn’t belong to autocrats, greedy billionaires, or anyone who rules through fear and violence. It belongs to the people.
Find a rally near you and learn your rights and how to stay safe. |
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Gaining Ground for Red Wolves |
Hopeful news for North America’s rarest canines: The Center-led campaign to build wildlife crossings in red wolf territory is moving forward.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently signed contracts with the Federal Highway Administration to start design and construction of wildlife crossings along Highway 64, which slices through the heart of red wolves’ home and has been devastating to the species.
This effort comes after the Center and partners helped secure a $25 million federal grant for lifesaving wildlife crossings in 2024. To all you supporters who helped make this happen: Thank you.
Head to Facebook or Instagram to watch three generations of endangered red wolves playing together in the wild. |
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Discovery: Trump EPA Chief Met With Pesticide CEO |
The Center has uncovered documents showing that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and other political appointees met with the CEO of chemical giant Bayer before the Trump Justice Department acted on the corporation’s behalf.
In December the Justice Department backed Bayer’s request for the Supreme Court to hear its appeal asking for a shield against liability for human health harms linked to pesticides. In January the Supreme Court said yes. “These documents show the unfettered access one of the most powerful pesticide corporations has to the EPA’s top officials,” said the Center’s Nathan Donley. “The EPA administrator almost certainly wouldn’t give the time of day to the thousands of Americans suffering from cancers linked to glyphosate and other EPA-approved pesticides.” Read more in The Guardian. |
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The Revelator: As the Cranes Fly |
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That's Wild: Caterpillars Who Vibe With Ants |
Last week we brought you drumming fish; this week it’s vibrating larvae. Research out of the UK shows that certain kinds of caterpillars get adopted by ant colonies. The ants protect them from predators, while in return the larvae feed the ants sugary secretions. And it turns out that, to win safe harbor with the babysitter ants, those symbiotic caterpillars vibrate in a complex rhythm that mimics the ants’ own. The stronger the match between rhythms, the stronger the relationship. |
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Center for Biological Diversity | Saving Life on Earth
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Photo credits: Blue tree monitor lizard via Shutterstock; green sea turtle by Seasidesaltlife/Wikimedia Commons, Rice’s whale by Paul Nagelkirk/NOAA; Carrizo Plain National Monument courtesy Bureau of Land Management California; screenshot of wolf video by James Ford; pesticide spraying courtesy USDA; whooping cranes by Steve Gifford/USFWS; butterfly larva by Patrick Kobernus/USFWS. View our privacy policy. |
Center for Biological Diversity
P.O. Box 710
Tucson, AZ 85702
United States
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