Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)

Species information

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Threats

Despite the fact that on a global scale the burrowing owl is not considered to be threatened (1), in most of the states or provinces that this species occurs it is listed as Endangered, Threatened or a Species of Special Concern (3). The reason for this apparent discrepancy is that, by virtue of its expansive range, this species has a very large overall population (1), but as a result of habitat destruction, pesticide poisoning and vehicle collisions, it is undergoing a worrying decline in many localities (2).

Conservation

A number of local conservation initiatives have been implemented within North America and Canada to conserve the burrowing owl. Programmes have included the use of artificial breeding burrows to encourage population growth in safe areas, increased protection of burrowing mammals that provide nesting habitat, and campaigns to promote the cessation of pesticide use in the vicinity of this species’ burrows. Reintroductions have also been attempted in regions where populations have previously been extirpated, such as British Colombia (2).