In Trouble in Canada - The Northern Spotted Owl

Abstract

Conservation and politics are inextricably linked for the Northern Spotted Owl which lives in economically valuable old-growth coniferous forests. Approximately 8% of the global range is located in Canada, with an estimated population of less than 30 pairs - all residing in the southwest mainland of British Columbia (BC). Historical inventory figures indicate the Canadian population has declined by approximately 46% since 1992, an average annual decline of 7.2%. Extirpation of the Northern Spotted Owl from Canada is likely imminent if the current rate of population decline continues. This species is extremely vulnerable to extirpation because of their small population size (<30 pairs), the need for large amounts of habitat, and low population densities. In BC, high quality habitat tends to be in forests >140 years old and moderate quality habitat occurs in forests 100-140 years old. Loss and fragmentation of habitat to harvesting of oldgrowth forests and degradation of habitat as a result of even-aged management of forests are widely believed to be the primary long term threats to the Northern Spotted Owl throughout the Pacific Northwest. Evidence suggests that management efforts to date have been unsuccessful at reversing the decline, and that more intensive efforts are required.