Mariah Meek

Northern spotted owls living in old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest were listed as threatened species because of habitat loss. Kyle Sullivan/Bureau of Land Management

July 11, 2026

How redefining one word strips the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

Mariah Meek, Michigan State University and Karrigan Börk, University of California, Davis

The majority of endangered species listings over the years have involved habitat loss, from Chinook salmon to island foxes and many birds.

A sign on a dirt hiking trail in the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska points to naturalist John Muir’s cabin. Wanderluster/iStock/Getty Images

August 19, 2026

Paving paradise: Dismantling the Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife, water and peace in the last quiet places in America

Mariah Meek, Montana State University and Travis Belote, Montana State University

The constant noise of traffic is so ubiquitous, it is barely noticeable to our ears – until we step into a roadless forest and experience true quiet.

Teshekpuk caribou graze in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Bob Wick/BLM

February 16, 2026

What’s at risk for Arctic wildlife as Trump invites bids for oil drilling in the fragile National Petroleum Reserve‑Alaska

Mariah Meek, Michigan State University

Caribou, migrating birds and many other types of wildlife rely on this expanse of wetlands and tundra. But about 5.5 million acres are being put up for oil and gas leases in March 2026.

Green sea turtles, like this hatchling in Florida, are endangered due in part to habitat destruction and fishing nets. Keenan Adams/USFWS

May 13, 2025

How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

Mariah Meek, Michigan State University and Karrigan Börk, University of California, Davis

The Trump administration’s plan would leave many endangered species at much greater risk.

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How redefining one word strips the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

Paving paradise: Dismantling the Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife, water and peace in the last quiet places in America

What’s at risk for Arctic wildlife as Trump invites bids for oil drilling in the fragile National Petroleum Reserve‑Alaska

How redefining just one word could strip the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

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