Is the decline of Burrowing Owls<i>Speotyto cunicularia</i>in prairie Canada linked to changes in Great Plains ecosystems?

Abstract

Summary We examined population and ecosystem patterns hoping to inform conservation strategies for Burrowing Owls Speotyto cunicularia in Canada. The owls chose moderately to heavily grazed grasslands for nesting and roosting, and avoided cultivated fields. Where grassland patches were isolated in 90% cultivation, owls dispersed later, for shorter distances and less often. Mortality rate during the 5-month study was high (adult ratio 0.45, juveniles 0.55), which may contribute to local declines. Additional mortality may occur on migration and during winter. We extrapolate from local effects (loss of grassland habitat with burrows for roosting, and ~2% “incidental” predation) to suggest that such changes detrimental to the owls occur throughout the central Great Plains ecosystem which the owls occupy year-round. The changes include ecosystem processes such as plant succession, owl dispersal and predation. These changes are likely to be irreversible on a scale that would be required to help this owl. The species may face extinction in Canada, at the northern limit of its range.