Burrowing Owls of British Columbia
The burrowing owl is a small bird about the size of a pigeon that lives throughout western North America in open country. The owl is listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act and its numbers across the prairies are rapidly declining due to loss of habitat. The owls generally live in grassland areas, much of which has now been cultivated or developed.
The burrowing owl has been virtually extirpated from British Columbia and the very small wild population must now rely on annual owl reintroductions that have operated for over 10 years. With funding from WWF-Canada and Environment Canada, Dr. Kim Cheng and Aimee Mitchell from the University of British Columbia are examining survival and habitat use by the reintroduced owls as well as the best techniques to reintroduce the owls into the wild. Improving the survival and reproductive success of captive-bred burrowing owls directly impacts the recovery of the species.
The burrowing owl has been virtually extirpated from British Columbia and the very small wild population must now rely on annual owl reintroductions that have operated for over 10 years. With funding from WWF-Canada and Environment Canada, Dr. Kim Cheng and Aimee Mitchell from the University of British Columbia are examining survival and habitat use by the reintroduced owls as well as the best techniques to reintroduce the owls into the wild. Improving the survival and reproductive success of captive-bred burrowing owls directly impacts the recovery of the species.
Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
The researchers are trying to determine the best technique to release the owls into the wild. In the past, a release method was used which involved keeping the owls blocked in their burrows overnight, after which time they are completely free. A second release method keeps the owls enclosed for a longer period of time. In this case the birds are kept in an enclosure until eggs are laid to provide better protection for the birds and a greater likelihood of breeding success. With continued study, the researchers hope to be able to increase the wild population of burrowing owls in British Columbia.
Another major component of this project was public involvement. Dozens of dedicated volunteers and landowners have been key to the success of the breeding and release program. Cooperation of this kind not only helps to make the project a success, it ensures that the local people are aware of the burrowing owl and the reasons why it needs to be protected.
Another major component of this project was public involvement. Dozens of dedicated volunteers and landowners have been key to the success of the breeding and release program. Cooperation of this kind not only helps to make the project a success, it ensures that the local people are aware of the burrowing owl and the reasons why it needs to be protected.