Bio-invasion: When another species is introduced to another habitat. They do not have predators and usually dominate in the ecosystem.
Endangered: Threatened species that can become extinct.
Secondary Succession: Occurs when a community has been destroyed or damaged by natural causes, such as hurricanes, forest fires, etc. It occurs where a community once existed.
Important Facts On Why The Spotted Owl Is Endangered.
Bye Bye Home?
Although these owls seem to have enough abilities to be able to survive, they are endangered and one reason they are endangered is because of habitat loss.
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| Cutting down trees leaves hardly any more space for the spotted owl. |
- Their habitat is being destroyed, which affects where they live.
- This is a problem as they only prefer old-growth forests, forests that are run down and old.
- However, these forests are being destroyed to make room for human development and for our necessities such as paper and pencils. Human development includes homes and buildings for humans.
- These trees are also being cut down because they contain valuable wood.
- On the contrary, these forests are being destroyed by nature as old-growth forests can easily catch on fire, creating a forest fire. Forest fires can usually demolish most of the habitat. Even though secondary succession can occur, it would take years for there to be a suitable habitat for the spotted owl.
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| Human development can sometimes leave no trees or forests behind, causing harm to all animals who once lived there. |
Barred Owl Vs. Spotted Owl
Another reason this bird is endangered is because of competition and bio-invasion from the barred owl.
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| The barred owl is beginning to take up space and prey of the spotted owl. |
- The barred owl, who generally lives in the U.S.A, has come over to British Columbia and has began to take over the space and prey that the spotted owl needs to be able to survive.
- If the spotted owl's space is taken up, they are unable to reproduce as they don't make their own nests, they use holes in trees or re-use old ones. Barred owls, typically 20 percent larger than their rivals, may take over spotted owl nests or slam into their breasts like feathery missiles (Welch)
- As for the prey, the spotted owl wont be able to survive as food is essential for survival.
- Unlike the spotted owl, the barred owl can adapt to various forests and prey, thus making it harder for the spotted owl to survive.
Numbers Of Breeding Pairs Through The Years
Once this was determined, it was obvious that the spotted owl needed protection from extinction. Yet, it continues to be a problem to help protect them.
