ESA Rollbacks, Wolf Review and Species-Protection Disputes

Finalized ESA changes remove habitat-related harm protections, narrow critical-habitat safeguards, and end the blanket 4(d) rule; a Sept. 14 interpretation further limits unlawful take to intentional harm. Litigation by 21 states continues, while Mexican gray-wolf and gray-wolf reviews renew concern about lethal-control opportunities. The Sierra Nevada red fox habitat ruling offers a countervailing protection victory.