HELP PROTECT THE BURROWING OWL

HELP PROTECT THE BURROWING OWL

In April 2003 the Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation organizations petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission to list the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) as a state endangered or threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act. Due to intense political pressure from development and agricultural interests, the Department of Fish and Game recommended against listing the species. The Commission will consider the burrowing owl petition at its Sacramento meeting on Thursday, December 4, 8:30 am. The meeting is at the State Personnel Board Auditorium, Room 150, 801 Capitol Mall. The agenda and meeting information will be posted at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fg_comm/2003mtgs.html

Attend the meeting and speak out or write a letter of support for the burrowing owl listing petition:

Write to:
California Fish and Game Commission
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

* Request that the California population of the western burrowing owl be listed as an endangered or threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act.
* Explain your interest in the burrowing owl, any expertise or experience you may have with the species, and your organizational affiliation, if any.
* Discuss why you think burrowing owls need additional protection. Mention any loss of owls or threats to owls in your area.

Facts about owl declines in California:

* Breeding owls have been extirpated or nearly eliminated from 15 counties, or 30% of their range in California. Sharp declines have been documented in an additional 30 counties, or 60%.
* The numbers of breeding pairs of owls are thought to be declining at 8% per year
* 91% of all owls in the state occur on private land with no habitat protection in place

Visit http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/species/b-owl/index.html for more information about the burrowing owl and the listing petition.