Posted on 06/15/2005 7:17:25 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
ARCATA, Calif. - Federal scientists are planning to shoot a small number of barred owls they say are crowding out the threatened spotted owl in northern California - an experiment that could lead to killing thousands of the larger owls on the West Coast.
Scientists said the "removal" experiment would be the best way to quickly determine whether barred owls are pushing spotted owls toward extinction. If successful, officials would then consider expanding the program.
"This experiment is a small step," said Brian Woodbridge, a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Yreka, Calif.
The final plan was being discussed at a meeting of spotted owl experts Wednesday at Humboldt State University in Arcata, he said. The experiment could start as early as next week.
Scientists said the northern spotted owls, which became a symbol of environmentalists' efforts to preserve the old-growth forests on the West Coast, are competing with the more common barred owls for nesting places and food. The barred owls, which have migrated to west from the Great Plains, also kill the spotted owls.
There are no hard numbers on how many spotted owls or barred owls are in the West, but some estimates put spotted owls at about 8,000 pairs. Barred owls appear to greatly outnumber spotted owls in Washington, and are about even in Oregon, according to some estimates.
The experiment site, in the southern Cascade Range, is bordered on three sides by mountains and contains only eight to 11 barred owls and 32 spotted owls, Woodbridge said. Barred owls have already displaced two spotted owl pairs and are crowding a third in the area.
The California Academy of Sciences, which has agreed to take part in the experiment, already has permits from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game to shoot up to 20 barred owls for museum studies, meaning the experiment does not require a lengthy environmental impact statement.
Some experts, however, say even if the experiment is successful, it will be hard to stop the migration of the barred owls.
"Assuming you find removal is working - spotted owls move back into their territories - are you prepared to do that for the next 10,000 years? Because as soon as you stop you're right back where you started," said Eric Forsman, a spotted owl biologist for the U.S. Forest Service.
The invasion also could have far-reaching ramifications for timberland owners, who log under habitat protection plans to maintain spotted owls. Some of those plans would allow more logging if spotted owls disappear; others could allow less.
"This is creating a lot of anxiety for us," said Lowell Diller, a biologist for Green Diamond Resources Co., which owns 450,000 acres of timber east of Redwood National Park in Northern California.
Susan Ash, conservation director for the Audubon Society of Portland, whose lawsuit resulted in spotted owl protections, said her group supports research, but has concerns about killing barred owls.
"I don't feel we should just jump into something without getting a sense of the feelings of all the interest groups," she said.
ON THE NET
California Academy of Sciences: http://www.calacademy.org/
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: http://www.fws.gov/
National Audubon Society: http://www.audubon.org/
fyi
I guess some animals are more equal than others.
These people really have to get a life?????
Why do they feel they have to play God. Let God sort the species out.
A graphic illustration on how ecofreaks have made the once proud USFS the enemy of all creatures, not just people.
Good thinkin'! I've noticed a few too many of those pesky Bald Eagles and blame them for fewer bunnies than I'd like to see. I don't think anybody would mind me "culling the herd" so to speak.
Owl_Eagle(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,
What happened to natural selection, survival of the fittest, the supremacy of nature, etc.????
I guess it all depends on which animal is cuter.
And what do they shoot when the barred owls become endangered?
Great extract from the Farm LJ...!
Who'da thunk it?
Here's one cut in the budget I would support.
"And what do they shoot when the barred owls become endangered?"
The over population of spotted owls that they created!
Scientists said the [Republicans], which became a symbol of [corporations' efforts to preserve the capitalist economy in the US], are competing with the more common [Democrats] for [housing] and food. The [Republicans], which have migrated to the west from the [Deep South], also [defeat the Democrats in fair elections].
Makes about as much sense to me.
And what if some trigger-happy federal scientist shoots a few spotted owls by mistake?
And where is PETA in this mix?
Stoooopid! Put some spots on barred owls - problem solved.
Dang, first thing that came to mind and you beat me to it.
I wonder if this will happen to Conservatives...once Liberals become endangered?
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