The Spotted Owl: a Flagship species Sailing a Sinking Ship

If you've been following the debate about the recovery plan for the spotted owl, a species whose population is declining by 4% per year, you've heard the outcry over potentially shooting the invasive barred owl in the name of the Endangered Species Act. The US population of the barred owl is so widespread, however, that attempts to cull this species to save the spotted owl from their rapid decline will most likely serve no purpose other than to anger environmentalists.

Here's an interesting thought: What if we don't shoot the barred owl? What if we wait for the US WFS to complete its ten year study of barred owl management? With the current rate of decline, that would mean that in 6 years, 40% fewer spotted owls would remain compared to 2008 levels. Though I am uncertain, the species might be extinct by then. The result of inaction? Environmentalists will be happy because barred owls were spared. But perhaps more riveting, is that loggers, so too, will be happy - as soon as the spotted owl goes extinct, so will the need to maintain the habitat conservation plan.