The barred owl (Strix varia) is a medium-sized owl native to North America. It is protected under federal law in the United States and Canada due to population declines from habitat loss and other threats.
Quick Facts about the Barred Owl
- Scientific Name: Strix varia
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
- Population Trend: Decreasing
- Total Population: ~2.5 million
- Average Lifespan in Wild: 10 years
- Size: 16-25 inches, 0.7-1.5 pounds
- Habitat: Mature forests across much of North America
- Diet: Rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish
Is the Barred Owl Protected by Law?
Yes, the barred owl is protected under federal law in the United States and Canada. Here are some key facts about its protected status:
- In the United States, the barred owl is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act makes it illegal to harm or kill barred owls, their nests, or eggs without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- The barred owl has been listed in Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) since 2015. Appendix II listing means international trade in barred owls is monitored and regulated.
- In Canada, the barred owl is protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act of 1994. This prohibits killing, capturing, harassing, or trafficking barred owls without a permit.
- It is listed as a species of Least Concern globally by the IUCN Red List, indicating no elevated threat of extinction. But many regional populations are in decline.
So in summary, the barred owl is protected from harm and regulated trade under federal laws in the U.S. and Canada. Violators may face fines or criminal charges for harming barred owls without proper permits.
Reasons for the Barred Owl’s Protected Status
There are several reasons the barred owl has been afforded legal protection in North America:
- Habitat loss: Widespread logging and development has reduced old growth forest habitats used by barred owls.
- Competition: The expanding range of the invasive northern spotted owl now overlaps with barred owls, increasing competition for resources.
- Climate change: May negatively impact barred owl populations through increased weather variability.
- Killing and poaching: Barred owls have been historically persecuted by shooting and trapping.
- International trade: Commercial owl trade led to population declines until protections were enacted.
Protecting the barred owl helps conserve its populations and regulate activities that may threaten the species. Even though barred owls remain relatively abundant, ongoing habitat loss and competition with spotted owls are concerns for population declines.
Timeline of Barred Owl Protection
Here is a timeline of major events in enacting legal protections for barred owls:
Year | Event |
---|---|
1918 | Migratory Bird Treaty Act passed in US, initially protecting migratory bird species from overhunting |
1936 | Barred owl listed as protected migratory species under MBTA in US |
1973 | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) established |
1994 | Migratory Birds Convention Act passed in Canada, protecting migratory birds |
2015 | Barred owl listed under Appendix II of CITES |
These laws were established over the past century to address major threats such as overhunting, habitat loss, and unregulated trade. They help conserve barred owl populations today.
Punishments for Harming Barred Owls
There are penalties under federal law for harming barred owls in the United States and Canada:
- Up to 2 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for felony MBTA violations in the US
- Up to 6 months in prison and $15,000 in fines for MBCA violations in Canada
- Potential for fines and jail time for violating provincial/state laws related to poaching
- Up to $100,000 in fines for violating the Endangered Species Act if barred owls become listed
Killing, capturing, or harming barred owls carries significant legal penalties. Jail time is possible for violations. Fines may be levied per individual owl affected illegally.
Exceptions to Barred Owl Protection
There are a few exceptions where limited harm or harvest of barred owls is legally permitted:
- Scientific research: With appropriate state/federal permits, barred owls may be captured and studied by researchers.
- Falconry: In some states/provinces, falconers may be permitted to trap barred owls as raptors for training.
- Population control: In limited areas, government agencies may allow barred owl removal to protect spotted owls.
- Taxidermy: In some cases, legal possession or acquisition of barred owl specimens is allowed with proper permits.
- Captive breeding: Accredited facilities may legally house captive barred owls for conservation purposes.
However, these exceptions have tight restrictions and oversight. Harming or harvesting barred owls without explicit authorization remains illegal.
How Barred Owl Protection Is Enforced
Enforcing protections for barred owls involves efforts by wildlife agencies, law enforcement, and the public:
- Wildlife agencies monitor populations, assess major threats, and enforce regulations on prohibited activities like poaching.
- Law enforcement agencies can investigate reports of illegal harm to barred owls and levy appropriate charges and penalties.
- Concerned citizens can report suspected violations to wildlife officials or provide tips anonymously to law enforcement.
- Border controls regulate barred owl trade and transportation across international borders.
- NGOs help protect habitat and advocate for maintaining strong legal protections.
Public reporting of potential violations plays a big role. Over 190,000 violations of the MBTA are reported annually in the US. Protecting barred owl populations requires involvement from all sectors.
Conclusion
The barred owl is protected by federal law in the United States and Canada. Major statutes like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act prohibit harming barred owls, their nests, or eggs without permits. The barred owl is also monitored and regulated under the CITES treaty. These laws provide penalties like fines and jail time for barred owl violations. While some limited exceptions exist, most actions that harm barred owls remain illegal, underscoring the species’ protected legal status across North America.