In Our Backyard: Flammulated Owl
The flammulated owl is a small, insectivorous owl found in drier montane coniferous forests of British Columbia. They nest in tree cavities excavated by woodpeckers. The flammulated owl is listed as a species of Special Concern in Canada due to habitat loss primarily from forest practices. Dry coniferous woodland of the Thompson-Nicola includes ponderosa pine and interior Douglas fir trees which are important for flammulated owls and other species at risk.
The management plan for the flammulated owl in British Columbia outlines a five-part strategy to conserve the owl population in the province. The first goal of the plan is to maintain stable or increasing populations of the flammulated owl. The second goal is to identify important habitat areas for the owl. The third goal is to protect existing breeding habitat. The fourth goal is to develop methods to minimize the impact of human activities on owl populations. The fifth goal is to fill knowledge gaps through research.
The plan identifies several threats to the flammulated owl in British Columbia. These threats include residential development, logging and wood harvesting, and invasive species. The plan calls for further research into the effects of these threats on owl populations.