OTTAWA,
August 16, 2006 – The Honorable Rona Ambrose,
Minister of the Environment, today acknowledged
the recent efforts by British Columbia to protect
and recover the endangered Northern Spotted Owl.
The Government of British Columbia
has announced an action plan that includes halting
timber harvesting activities in areas of the interior
of the province currently occupied by the remaining
Owls. The long-term population goal is to increase
the number of owls to at least 250 adult owls.
Recovery of this species is considered technically
and biologically feasible since habitat is currently
available and opportunities exist to improve future
habitat conditions.
“I welcome the commitment from
British Columbia to preserve and increase the
population of Northern Spotted Owls,” said Minister
Ambrose. “It is my opinion that, given the measures
they are taking, such as stopping logging in areas
currently occupied by the owls, there is no imminent
threat to the survival or recovery of the Northern
Spotted Owl at this time.”
The Northern Spotted Owl is among the most studied,
high-profile owl species in the world because
of its close association with old growth forests
and the impact of urbanization, timber harvesting
and mineral extraction in the Northwestern United
States and in British Columbia. The global number
of potential breeding pairs is estimated at between
3000 and 6000.
Canada is at the northern range
of the Spotted Owl and the species is listed as
“endangered” under the federal Species at Risk
Act (SARA). A British Columbia survey in 2005
found 22 surviving owls, down from an estimated
200 in 1991. Habitat loss, competition from Barred
Owls and other environmental factors have led
to population declines. Environment Canada advises
the Province on measures to protect habitat and
the species, and will continue to cooperate with
provincial officials while monitoring the progress
of the recovery plan to ensure the Northern Spotted
Owl population is effectively protected and afforded
the best opportunity to recover.
The Species Recovery Strategy
for the Northern Spotted Owl can be found at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/plans/showDocument_e.cfm?id=918
Currently more than 190 recovery
strategies for numerous plants, animals, and aquatic
species are under development in support of SARA-listed
species. Recovery strategies are posted for consultation
on the SARA public registry at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca.
Ryan Sparrow
