So… a few people are making the argument that the SpaceX land swap is actually a good thing. But here’s the part they’re leaving out: the habitat scoring system being used to argue these lands are “low value” was developed in collaboration with SpaceX itself. The company benefiting from the land deal helped create the method used to evaluate the land. And if some of these areas have lower habitat quality today, it’s worth asking whether years of launches, explosions, and industrial development had anything to do with it. Remember to research the researcher. That’s something the Center takes very seriously, and the truth is simple: Public lands aren’t for sale.  And that’s why we aren’t backing down in this fight.  #spacex #publicland #texas #wildlife

SpaceX faces legal action for expanding its operations in Brownsville, Texas, across public and protected coastal ecosystems. What began as a "small testing facility" has grown into a significant industrial footprint, threatening crucial habitats for endangered ocelots, sea turtles, and migratory birds.

The company now seeks to acquire an additional 715 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge for further testing, which is already harming wildlife and plants. The Center for Biological Diversity, alongside other groups, is suing to prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from approving this public land grab. Support is needed to defend these vital public lands.

SpaceX faces legal action for its rapid expansion in Brownsville, Texas, impacting a rare coastal ecosystem and public land. What began as a "small testing facility" has grown into an industrial footprint, threatening endangered ocelots, sea turtles, and migratory birds in crucial habitats.

The company now seeks an additional 715 acres from the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge for further testing, which is actively harming wildlife and destroying plants. The Center for Biological Diversity, alongside @save.rgv, @sotxejn, and @estok_gna_somisek, are suing the @usfws to prevent this public land grab. Support efforts to defend these vital public lands.

Recent weeks at the Center saw ongoing efforts to defend the Everglades and address border wall issues. Positive developments included the survival of California steelhead protections and the removal of all detainees from the "Alligator Alcatraz" facility in the Everglades.

Despite these wins, environmental damage persists, and legal battles continue. Stay informed on our progress and share our work with those who care about protecting public lands and endangered species.

The "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in the Everglades is finally closing. While this marks a positive development, the Center's Elise Bennett expressed caution, stating, "the Trump and DeSantis administrations have shown we can’t trust them with Big Cypress’ future."

This critical landscape supports vulnerable wildlife like Florida panthers, bonneted bats, and Everglades snail kites. The Center is committed to ensuring full accountability and complete restoration of the site. Tune in tomorrow for more information from our press conference.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to transfer 715 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge to SpaceX. This vital public land provides critical habitat for endangered ocelots, rare migratory birds, and other wildlife.

SpaceX's operations already harm nearby habitats, with rocket launches scattering debris and damaging shorebird nests. This proposed land transfer further threatens species survival and the integrity of this crucial refuge.

The Center for Biological Diversity is suing to stop this harmful transfer and protect the region's wildlife. Support our fight: Donate Now.

We are suing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service over their plan to transfer 715 acres of a public wildlife refuge to SpaceX. This action sacrifices public lands to subsidize a billionaire corporation, which we believe is an unacceptable use of shared resources.

Our co-plaintiffs include the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas (@estok_gna_somisek), the South Texas Environmental Justice Network (@sotxejn), and @save.rgv. We extend our gratitude to @uriel.cinema for his footage and dedicated advocacy for the people and wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley.

The accelerating extinction crisis threatens countless species, from sea turtles to ancient forests, and the vital habitats they depend on. Every species deserves a future. 🌎

For nearly four decades, the Center for Biological Diversity has championed the protection of endangered species and wild places. We're not stopping now.

Join us in defending Earth's incredible biodiversity. Right now, your donation will be matched, doubling your impact for wildlife. Act before it's too late.

The Center for Biological Diversity is suing SpaceX to prevent the acquisition of 715 acres within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This vital public land in south Texas is home to endangered ocelots, rare migratory birds, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.

SpaceX rocket launches have already caused significant environmental damage, including falling debris and harm to wildlife. A 2024 study documented damage to every monitored shorebird nest after a single launch. This lawsuit aims to protect the refuge's wildlife from further suffering due to a harmful land giveaway to a trillionaire-owned corporation.

The Center for Biological Diversity is suing SpaceX to prevent the acquisition of 715 acres within the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This critical South Texas habitat is home to endangered ocelots, rare migratory birds, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.

SpaceX rocket launches have already caused significant environmental damage, including falling debris and harm to shorebird nests, as documented by a 2024 study. This lawsuit aims to protect the refuge's wildlife from further suffering due to corporate expansion.

Bruce, a kea parrot native to New Zealand, lost his upper beak at a young age. Despite this, he has become the dominant alpha male of his community, known as a "circus," exhibiting unique preening and fighting skills.

A study in *Current Biology* (Grabham et al., 2026) suggests Bruce achieved his alpha status by winning all 36 interactions. He also displayed low stress hormone levels, received priority access to food, and was uniquely assisted with preening. This research highlights his resilience and unique abilities. (Source: Ars Technica, Current Biology)

The Department of Homeland Security has waived environmental laws to fast-track border barriers and roads through Texas' Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. This construction threatens to damage roadless canyon country, block river access, fragment vital wildlife habitat for black bears and bighorns, and pollute Big Bend’s iconic night skies with artificial light.

Our organization is already in court to halt these plans and access public construction records. An advocate condemned the administration's "disgraceful" disregard for public lands, vowing to protect this "crown-jewel national park" and the Rio Grande.

Help us defend Big Bend and the Rio Grande. Your support is crucial.

The Department of Homeland Security has waived environmental laws to fast-track border barrier construction through Texas's Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. This development threatens to damage roadless canyon country, block river access, fragment wildlife habitats for species like black bears and bighorns, and introduce artificial light pollution to Big Bend’s iconic night skies.

The Center for Biological Diversity is already in court to halt construction and access public records. An advocate condemned the administration's "disdain" for public lands, vowing to protect this "crown-jewel national park."

Support our fight to defend Big Bend and the Rio Grande: donate today, share this post, and follow us for updates.

This week's update features significant legal actions concerning horseshoe crabs, coral reefs, cancer-linked pesticides, and air pollution in the Everglades.

Every week, the Center actively engages in courtrooms, agencies, and communities nationwide. We champion wildlife, clean water, public health, and wild places, with these cases representing just a fraction of our ongoing efforts.

Watch our full update and subscribe for the complete weekly environmental briefing.

M-44 "cyanide bombs," spring-loaded devices that lure and poison wildlife, are back. These indiscriminate devices cause agonizing deaths for foxes, coyotes, and birds, and have also killed pets and injured children. In 2024 alone, they killed over 4,600 animals.

In 2023, after a decade of advocacy, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management banned M-44s on its lands. However, the agency has now quietly reversed this ban under the Trump administration.

We successfully fought to ban them before and will do so again. Your help is crucial.

The Center’s Laiken Jordahl recently discussed the looming threat of a border wall through Big Bend National Park on NPR’s Studio 1A. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued the largest wall construction contract in American history for this region.

A wall would transform this remote park into an industrial zone, severing wildlife from vital water sources and blocking public access to the Rio Grande, effectively ending river recreation.

We've been on the front lines, suing DHS last month to stop construction in Big Bend. We are committed to its permanent protection. Please share this message to raise awareness and support our ongoing efforts.

Florida panthers, with likely fewer than 200 remaining, face critical habitat loss in southwest Florida. Development confines them to shrinking pockets, forcing dangerous crossings and threatening their survival.

Now, another large-scale residential and commercial project threatens to eliminate nearly 5,000 more acres. This will inevitably lead to increased roads, vehicle strikes, and deadly conflict over their limited space.

The Center for Biological Diversity and partners are challenging federal approvals in court to halt this destruction. Help support their vital fight to protect Florida panthers before it's too late.

Environmental and legal battles persist, with the Trump administration approving continued atrazine use and reviving cyanide "bombs" on public lands. New border wall contracts also threaten Big Bend, posing significant risks to wildlife and natural habitats.

Despite these challenges, resistance is strong. New lawsuits protect marine wildlife, wolf recovery grows in California, and efforts defend grizzlies and endangered sea turtles. These ongoing actions are shaping the future of conservation. Follow for weekly updates and take action against M-44 cyanide bombs via our bio link.