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

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

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