Characterization of Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) habitat in Madrean Sky Island ecosystems

Abstract

This project characterized Mexican spotted owl (MSO) home territories on the Fort Huachuca Military Reservation (FHMR) in the Huachuca Mountains using existing data on owl occupancy, fire history, and site characteristics. Although many nest sites were found in canyon environments with riparian, mixed conifer, and oak tree components, MSO territory composition was variable depending on topographic position. Data analysis suggests MSOs are not mixed conifer dependent and that oak and riparian tree species were important components in each territory. There is potential for adverse wildfire effects in MSO territories due to high fuel loads, stand density, and human ignitions.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Danzer, Shelley. 2005. Characterization of Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) habitat in Madrean Sky Island ecosystems. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 387-391