Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains, ancestral land of the Tohono O'odham (who call it Ce: wi Duag, or "Long Mountain"), are renowned for their natural beauty and rare wildlife, including ocelots and jaguars. Despite this, a Canadian company seeks to blast a mile-wide, open-pit copper mine in this invaluable area.

For over a decade, a coalition of organizations and local governments has successfully resisted this project. A video, directed by Leslie Ann Epperson, features Austin Nuñez, Chairman of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham Nation, and allies recounting their tale of resistance.

Spotted skunks often perform a defensive handstand to intimidate potential attackers before spraying. This unique behavior serves as a striking warning display.

An instance of this defensive posture was captured by a remote camera in Arizona, showcasing the skunk's distinctive threat display.

The Center for Biological Diversity promotes reproductive planning, including access to contraception and education, as a strategy to combat the wildlife extinction crisis. They recently interviewed Maxine Trump, director of the documentary "To Kid or Not to Kid," which explores her personal family planning story.

The film and interview foster discussions among couples about the child-free lifestyle, covering rationales like financial anxiety, disinterest in birthing, and environmental concerns. It also addresses challenges in contraceptive decisions.

Watch "To Kid or Not to Kid" on Amazon Prime or iTunes. Explore Maxine Trump’s PBS Spin-Off Series, "Should We Kid or Not?", on YouTube. Stay tuned for a panel discussion. Learn more at tokidornotokid.com.

May brought record heat and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, underscoring the climate emergency. While the challenge is immense, solutions exist, and individuals can make a difference.

Our work focuses on saving climate-threatened species and campaigning for a just transition away from fossil fuels. We also advance climate justice through our new Energy Justice program, especially pertinent during current global health and racial justice movements.

The presentation will feature Kassie Siegel (Climate Law Institute director), Ben Goloff (climate campaigner), and Jean Su (Energy Justice program director).

Formosa Plastics' proposed complex in Louisiana threatens significant environmental and social harm. It would destroy 61 acres of wetlands and produce enough plastic for an estimated one trillion water bottles annually.

The project is also projected to dramatically increase air and water pollution, disproportionately impacting local communities of color. #StopFormosaPlastics

Over 8 million tons of plastic pollute our oceans annually, devastating wildlife, beaches, and ecosystems. The facilities producing this plastic, often in low-income areas, also poison local air and water.

This week's conversation will address fighting plastic pollution at its source. We'll discuss the industry's planned production increase, our strategies to stop it, and why recycling isn't a viable solution.

The presentation features Julie Teel Simmonds, Senior Attorney, and Delia Ridge Creamer, Oceans Campaigner, from the Center.

Giant water bugs are exceptional fathers. After mating, females of some species cement their eggs to the male's back, then depart, leaving him to parent alone.

For over two weeks, the male diligently cleans, aerates, and fiercely defends the eggs from predators until they hatch.

Research indicates that female giant water bugs prefer males already carrying eggs, suggesting that strong paternal care is a highly valued trait in sexual selection.

The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have sparked a crucial reckoning with systemic racism, police violence, and inequality in America. These racist ideologies fuel not only social injustices like income disparity, poor housing, and pollution in vulnerable communities, but also hinder the environmental movement by suppressing vital voices.

This "Saving Life on Earth" webinar will explore justice, police brutality, diversity, and biodiversity, emphasizing the critical need to align environmental efforts with the fight against racism. We all share a personal and institutional responsibility to drive lasting change.

The Trump administration plans to construct a 30-foot steel border wall through the rugged Huachuca Mountains, specifically at the terminus of the 800-mile federally protected Arizona Trail. This barrier threatens to disrupt the natural habitat of migrating jaguars and ocelots.

Such a wall would also permanently alter the experience for thousands of hikers who utilize the Arizona Trail. Matthew Nelson of the Arizona Trail Association has detailed the significant environmental and recreational consequences of this proposed construction.

Agriculture accounts for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with over half originating from meat and dairy production. Our food choices profoundly impact climate, habitat, water use, and wildlife. Adopting more plant-based foods and less meat can significantly reduce diet-related emissions, conserve land and water, and help mitigate the extinction crisis.

This week’s discussion will focus on shifting towards sustainable, Earth-friendly diets. Topics include new research on the climate impact of American diets, strategies for dietary change, how individual choices influence food policy, and why grass-fed beef isn't a complete solution. The event features Jennifer Molidor, Stephanie Feldstein, and a vegan cooking demonstration by J.P. Rose.

Meat and dairy production significantly contributes to global wildlife extinctions and the climate crisis. This industry consumes 30% of the Earth’s surface and 80% of U.S. agricultural land, while also being a major source of air and water pollution.

This week's conversation will explore our efforts to protect human health and the environment from this powerful industry. Topics will include COVID-19 in slaughterhouses, policy impacts, dangers to wildlife and workers, dietary choices, and the rise of meatless alternatives. Senior attorney Hannah Connor, population and sustainability director Stephanie Feldstein, and environmental health director Lori Ann Burd will lead the discussion.

This discussion explores the history, biology, and recovery of wolves across the American West, including the West Coast and Southwest. Once nearly extinct, wolves have returned to states like California, Oregon, Washington, and the Southwest. However, their future remains uncertain, standing at a critical crossroads.

The presentation features Amaroq Weiss, a senior West Coast wolf advocate, and Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate. Attendees will gain valuable insights and be inspired to contribute to conservation efforts.

Amidst a global pandemic, the Trump administration is blasting through a mountain, destroying vital wildlife habitat.

The Center's Borderlands Campaigner, Laiken Jordahl, reports on the devastating consequences unfolding in the borderlands.

Center Senior Attorney Andrea Zaccardi and Endangered Species Program Director Noah Greenwald presented on efforts to save two iconic large carnivores: grizzly bears and wolverines.

The discussion covered the biology and significance of these creatures. It also highlighted how individuals can join campaigns to ensure their long-term protection and survival.

Fossil fuel companies are projected to become the world's largest plastic producers by 2025. This expansion will lead to a significant increase in plastic waste, further exacerbating air and water pollution.

Join the fight to stop plastic polluters and protect our environment: BiologicalDiversity.org/StopPlasticPolluters

To halt the wildlife extinction crisis, we must protect the vital habitats where animals and plants live.

On Earth Day 2020, Executive Director Kierán Suckling and Public Lands Director Randi Spivak discussed our ambitious goals: protecting 30% of wildlands and waters by 2030, and half by 2050. The conversation emphasized the value of public lands, the importance of bold action, and strategies for ensuring long-term protection for wildlife.

The border wall is advancing towards a crucial jaguar corridor that links the rugged mountains of Sonora, Mexico, with Arizona's unique sky islands. This area is vital for jaguar movement and genetic diversity.

Randy Seraglio, Southwest Conservation Advocate for The Center, highlights the significant environmental consequences and what is at stake for this endangered species and its habitat.

The California Fish and Game Commission has voted to advance Southern California and Central Coast mountain lions to candidacy under the state’s Endangered Species Act.

This decision marks a crucial step towards their potential protection. For more details, read the full article.

International wildlife trade has rightly received significant attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it's vital not to overlook that wildlife trade and exploitation also present a substantial problem within the United States.

This domestic issue particularly impacts amphibians and reptiles, encompassing species from salamanders and turtles to frogs and snakes.

Listen to the distinctive calls of the pika, sometimes known as rock rabbits. These calls serve multiple purposes, including individual recognition, predator warnings, territory defense, and attracting a mate.

Learn more about pikas: https://biodiv.us/3aMCVtT