The past, present, and diminishing future of the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)

Thesis

The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina; hereafter referred to as northern spotted owl, spotted owl, owl, or NSO) is strongly associated with old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest of North America. It has faced many challenges to its survival over the past century, as its fate is linked with the fate of old-growth forest. Hence, the owl has become an icon for the conservation of old-growth forest in a long-running conflict between loggers and environmentalists. This thesis reviews those aspects of the biology and ethno-ornithology, which help or hinder the owl’s conservation. Habitat loss and an increase in the population of its competitor, the barred owl (Strix varia), are the leading causes of population decline of the NSO. Chapter 3 studies corticosterone levels in NSOs suggesting that they were more stressed when exposed to acute rather than chronic human activity.

Chapter 2 is a comprehensive study of newspaper articles showing how the owl has become an icon for environmentalists seeking to conserve the forest against the timber industry. Since deforestation is a major contributor to climate change, interest in the fate of the NSO has increased as a broader concern over deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss have grown in the public consciousness over the past half century. 

Changes in perceptions of the owl reflecting changing societal values were clearly reflected in the press, but differed between local, national and international publications. These changes mirror changes in the protection and management afforded the owls. Although federal protection underwrites its conservation, each state, tribe, and private landowner is responsible for the owl’s direct management, outside of federally-managed areas. A review of the differences in management policies clarifies why, despite the array of protections, they continue to decline. Concerted management will determine if the owl has a future.

Authors: Pekrul, AMI

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-xqzg2v659
• Type of award: DPhil
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: corticosterone; public perception; management; northern spotted owl