The Northern Spotted Owl Research

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I have chosen to do research on the Northern Spotted Owl for my keystone lab. Many factors can influence the life of this species. The Northern Spotted Owl is said to be located in the Old Growth Forests of Northern California, Oregon, Washington and some small areas in British Columbia, and Canada. The northern spotted owl has inhabited these areas for hundreds of years, yet was only found as a species in the early 1900’s. We are all aware the Spotted Owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) is a keystone species, but it is also known as an indicator species of Old Growth Forests. Thanks to the constant need for lumber from timber companies, the Northern Spotted Owl has been steadily moving towards an eventual extinction. ("Northern Spotted Owl.")

The northern spotted owl is medium in size and is a nocturnal raptor that lives in mature and old-growth forests. Spotted owls hunt voles and flying squirrels in the forests and nest high up in big trees with open spaces. Spotted owls mate for life and live 10 to 15 years. ("Northern Spotted Owl.") For many decades the Northern Spotted Owl has been in danger from the Timber industry. Loggers working for the timber companies do not care if every owl is killed or the last Old Growth Tree is finally cut down, as long as they see a profit from it and not something that will damage their bank accounts. ("Northern Spotted Owl.")

In 1987, when the Endangered Species Act was put into practice, the Federal Wildlife Service refused to list the Northern Spotted Owl. The FWS was then sued by the National Audubon Society to list the Species. During this time period, it was discovered that when examining the Northern Spotted Owl for its listing the FWS had looked at both the economics and the politics in ...

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...l keystone includes fungi, Douglas-Fir and the Flying Tree Squirrel. The squirrels eat truffles made by fungi which are of an important tree species. The squirrel then spreads these fungi in the forest by leaving it in its feces. The fungi play a main part in the old growth forests and effect the growth and health of many northwestern trees. ("Northern Spotted Owl.")

Works Cited:

“Basic Facts About Northern Spotted Owls." Northern Spotted Owl. Defenders of Wildlife, n.d.

Web. 3 Mar. 2014. .

"Northern spotted owl." — Conservation Northwest. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2014.

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"Northern Spotted Owl." Northern Spotted Owl. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2014.

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