background image

Why is the US killing half-a-million owls?

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: US wildlife officials plan to kill nearly half a million barred owls to save the endangered spotted owl species from extinction
• This strategy involves deploying trained shooters to forests in Oregon, Washington, and California

🔭 The context: Barred owls, which have encroached from the eastern US, outcompete the smaller spotted owls for resources
• Previous conservation efforts focused on forest protection, but the barred owl's proliferation has undermined these efforts
• The plan has sparked controversy among wildlife advocates and conservationists

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The mass killing of barred owls raises ethical and ecological concerns • The initiative highlights the complex challenges of wildlife conservation in the face of invasive species and habitat loss
• Addressing climate change and preserving ecosystems are crucial for the survival of vulnerable species

⏭️ What's next: The shootings are set to begin next spring, with a 30-day public comment period following the release of the final environmental study
• Authorities aim to reduce barred owl populations significantly, although complete eradication is unlikely

💬 One quote: “The Fish and Wildlife Service is turning from protector of wildlife to persecutor of wildlife,” says Wayne Pacelle, founder of Animal Wellness Action

📈 One stat: Up to 450,000 barred owls are expected to be shot over the next three decades

Click for more news covering the latest on biodiversity

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)