Natural History Wanderings

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The U.S. Department of Fish and Game has released its new plan to help protect the Spotted Owl from threatened extinction.  Threats to the Spotted Owl now include climate change and the Barred Owl which has expanded its range, may even kill male Spotted Owls and mate with female Spotted Owls.  The challenge of controlling the Barred Owl has included proposals to shoot Barred Owls as well as possibly manage forests in a way to create  adequate habitat for both owls.  The plan has still not completely addressed the mapping of what will be considered critical habitat.

Meanwhile, the Spotted Owl population is declining at an annual rate of 3 percent.  Populations in Northern California and Southern California are more stable, but in the Olympic and Cascade ranges in Washington the population declines can be as high as 9 per cent per year.  We are sure to hear more from both the logging industry and conservation groups on this issue.  To Read more go to:   Plan Issued to Save Northern Spotted Owl – NYTimes.com.