The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on a draft periodic status review for the northern spotted owl that includes a recommendation to keep the owl on the state’s endangered species list.
“Despite management and conservation actions that have reduced the rate of Northern spotted owl habitat loss, the Washington sub-population of spotted owls is still facing challenges that threaten population recovery, including competition by non-native barred owls,” WDFW conservation assessment section manager Taylor Cotten said in a release. “Since the species’ state listing, the likelihood of Northern spotted owls becoming extinct in Washington has only increased.”
The public comment period is open from Aug. 1 through Oct. 29. Following the period, the WDFW will brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on the review and make a recommendation, Cotten said. The commission is tentatively scheduled to consider this topic in November 2023.
The Northern spotted owl, Strix occidentalis caurina, averages 17 inches in length with white spotting across their brown bodies, the release stated. They can be distinguished from barred owls by the latter’s dark vertical barring on their light-colored breast.
The northern spotted owl is now rare throughout Washington, with populations continuing to decline, according to the release. About 1,200 territories have been documented in Washington and trend data suggests that fewer than 25% of these territories remain occupied.
WDFW regularly analyzes and reviews information to inform status and classification recommendations for species listed as endangered, threatened or sensitive in Washington, the release stated. If a species is listed, WDFW prepares recovery or management plans to guide conservation efforts.
The draft review for the owl is now available on WDFW’s website. The public can submit written comments on the document via email at tandepubliccom@dfw.wa.gov or by postal mail to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.
