Wildlife Specialist report
Wildlife Specialist report
Wildlife Specialist report
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have been overlooked in the past particularly as the range in which it occurs is<br />
infrequently visited and has not been studied in detail (Hubbard 1985). In the years 1993<br />
to 1995 there were records from two sites in the Pinos Altos Mountains (Zimmerman<br />
1994).<br />
Burrowing Owl (Forest Service Sensitive Species Representative of Grassland<br />
Vegetation Cover Type) - Burrowing owl habitat is dry, open, short grass, and treeless<br />
plains, often associated with burrowing mammals. Optimum habitat for burrowing owls<br />
is typified by short vegetation and presence of fresh small mammal burrows (NatureServe<br />
Explorer 2009). It is found in open grasslands, especially prairie, plains, and savanna,<br />
sometimes in open areas such as vacant lots near human habitation (e.g., campuses,<br />
airports, golf courses, perimeter of agricultural fields, banks of irrigation canals;<br />
NatureServe Explorer 2009). In Northern Great Plains of U.S., preferred grassland on<br />
aridic ustoll and typic boroll soil types where vegetation was heavily grazed by small<br />
mammals (NatureServe Explorer 2009). Burrowing owls spend much time on the ground<br />
or on low perches such as fence posts or dirt mounds (NatureServe Explorer 2009).<br />
Nests of burrowing owls are often in colonies in the West, in abandoned burrows of<br />
prairie dogs or ground squirrels or of woodchucks, foxes, badgers, armadillos, where the<br />
owl enlarges and modifies nest burrow by digging with feet (BISON-M 2009). The nest<br />
location and type of nest that burrowing owls tend to select their burrows in are areas<br />
with other burrows, close to roads, surrounded by bare ground or short grass. Most often<br />
they use burrows dug by mammals such as ground squirrels, badgers, prairie dogs,<br />
marmots, skunks, armadillos, kangaroo rats, and tortoises. Western burrowing owls can<br />
excavate holes where burrowing mammals are absent. Incubation is done by the female<br />
only; In New Mexico, this begins when first egg is laid. The male feeds the female in<br />
early morning and evening. The female comes out only briefly at these times.<br />
Intensified land use, primarily the conversion of grasslands for agricultural purposes and<br />
urban development, has resulted in widespread loss and fragmentation of nesting habitat.<br />
Eradication programs for the prairie dog and ground squirrel, pesticide use and food<br />
availability are also contributing factors to the population decline. Burrowing owls are<br />
uncommon summer residents that breed in GNF (Zimmerman, 1995). The New Mexico<br />
Game and Fish Department published guidelines and recommendations for burrowing<br />
owl surveys and mitigation in 2007. They recommend the following mitigation actions to<br />
avoid negative impacts to the species:<br />
No disturbance should occur within 50 m of occupied burrows during the nonbreeding<br />
season (September through February) or within 75 m during the<br />
breeding season (March through August).<br />
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