Minister releases management plan for short-eared owl

NLIS 2
June 1, 2006
(Environment and Conservation)

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today released a management plan for the short-eared owl, a species listed as vulnerable under the province�s Endangered Species Act. Management plans for listed vulnerable species are mandated under the act. These plans outline a course of actions primarily aimed at ensuring that a vulnerable species does not become threatened or endangered.

Across Canada the short-eared owl has exhibited significant declines. The exact causes of the declines are not well known however habitat loss primarily in central and western Canada is thought to be a main reason for a decrease in numbers.

"Trends in populations in this province are not well documented however it is thought that declines, if they have occurred, may not be as severe as elsewhere," said the minister. The owl�s primary habitat in Newfoundland and Labrador is relatively secure. It can be found in tundra, coastal barrens, sand dunes, fields and bog habitats, and mostly feeds on small mammals. Because small mammals can be cyclic in numbers this can impact the short-eared owl populations.

The minister noted that the goal of the plan is to maintain or increase, if necessary, the number of breeding pairs of short-eared owls in the province. Management actions outlined in the plan include monitoring distribution and trends, habitat assessment, stewardship and education, and habitat protection. The Wildlife Division recently began a trial monitoring program which it plans to expand. A standardized survey form has been developed and volunteer observers are encouraged to participate in the monitoring of this species.

"This is the first management plan for a listed vulnerable species to be released under the Endangered Species Act," said the minister. "A series of management plans for other listed vulnerable species will be released over the next several months." The short-eared owl management plan is available on the department�s web site - www.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/wildlife_at_risk.htm

For further information about the short-eared owl or to learn more about the volunteer monitoring program contact the Wildlife Division in Corner Brook at 709-637-2026 or e-mail isabelleschmelzer@gov.nl.ca.

Media contact: Diane Hart, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401

Facts about the short-eared owl

Listed as a vulnerable species under the Endangered Species Act in 2002.

Medium-sized owl and is one of nine owl species recorded for the province.

Buffy colouration with yellow eyes framed by dark facial disk, and in flight there is a distinctive black patch near the wrist on the underside of the wing.

Usually seen at dawn or dusk flying slow and low and sometimes hovering over open areas.

Eats mainly small mammals.

Owls may not breed or they may move elsewhere when small mammal populations are low.

Nests are built on the ground and have on average seven eggs.

Birds migrate to southern USA however some birds have been seen to over-winter here.

No population estimates for Newfoundland and Labrador however in the Maritimes there are estimated to be fewer than 100 pairs in any given year.

It is described as critically imperiled in seven northeast USA states and possibly extirpated in three others.

2006 06 01 10:25 a.m.

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