Competitive Interactions between the Northern Spotted Owls and Barred Owls in Western Oregon
Project ID: J8W07060019
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Oregon State University
Fiscal Year: 2006
Initial Funding: $50,000
Total Funding: $145,000
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: Pacific West Region Oregon
Principal Investigator: Anthony, Robert
Abstract: This project is designed to develop a better understanding of the competitive relationships between northern spotted owls and barred owls, including exploration of common resources and behavioral interactions. Researchers and managers are very concerned that the barred owls may be negatively affecting northern spotted owls, a federally threatened species, and the cornerstone species of the Northwest Forest Plan. Correlative studies have documented negative effects of barred owls on spotted owl territory occupancy and survival in areas where they co-occur, including in national parks (e.g. Olympic, Redwood, and Mount Rainier National Parks). Empirical evidence is greatly needed to assess the level of threat that the barred owl poses to spotted owls, mechanisms for negative effects, if any, and formulation of management strategies.
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