Ability to Respond Total:17 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )
Confidence:High
Confidence Notes:
Impact
Spread
Notes
Score
Spread Rate
As one of North America's largest owls, the Barred owl is able to fly great distances and has spread from eastern North America to the western states.
5
Spread Amount
Although limited to forested habitats, Barred owls are native to eastern North America. It is believed they began expanding west of the Mississippi River around the turn of the 20th century. This could have been a natural range expansion or human-caused.
4
Damage
Notes
Score
Ecological
Researchers have shown strong evidence that spotted owl population declines are more pronounced in areas where barred owls have moved into the spotted owl’s range and are greatest where barred owls have been present the longest. Due to the rapid and ongoing population decline of northern spotted owls, it is critical that we manage invasive barred owl populations to reduce their negative effect on spotted owls before northern spotted owls are extirpated from large portions of their native range.
4
Agricultural
The Barred owl has little to no negative impact to agriculture.
1
Infrastructure
This species has no known threats to infrastructure.
0
Cultural
The biggest cultural threat of this species is its displacement of the Northern spotted owl and the California spotted owl, which are culturally important species.
3
Health
0
Benefit
Notes
Score
Ecological
0
Agricultural
This species may provide minor benefits via rodent control in some agricultural systems, including tree farms and agricultural lands on forest fringe.
1
Infrastructure
0
Cultural
Although not native, culturally owls tend to be seen in a positive light in the 21st century. As such, the average Californian would likely enjoy viewing an invasive Barred owl.
1
Health
0
Total
15
Ability to Respond
Ease of Response
Notes
Score
Detection
Detection of barred owls is relatively simple, as they are powerful localists.
5
Control
Locating and removing these highly vocalized owls using barred owl-specific surveys to find individuals has been proven successful in many trails across the Washington, Oregon, and California.
4
Tools in Place
Notes
Score
Entry
This species already exists in California as it has migrated west since the turn of the 20th century. Slowing its spread and decreasing population densities should be management goals.
1
Control
Most research trials have removed this species at night using 12-ga shotguns. Lethal take permits are required from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. All persons permitted to take Barred owls should be well versed in owl identification.
5
Outreach
Public knowledge is very limited about this species and there are regulatory barriers to the public and/or landowners when attempting to eliminate this species or decrease its rate of spread.
