Ecology and conservation of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona

Abstract

This report is the result of a cooperative effort by the Rocky Mountain Research Station and the USDA Forest Service Region 3, with participation by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Bureau of Land Management. It assesses the state of knowledge related to the conservation status of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona. The population decline of this owl has been attributed to the loss of riparian areas before and after the turn of the 20th century. Currently, the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl is chiefly found in southern Arizona in xeroriparian vegetation and well-structured upland desertscrub. The primary threat to the remaining pygmy-owl population appears to be continued habitat loss due to residential development. Important information gaps exist and prevent a full understanding of the current population status of the owl and its conservation needs.

Titles contained within Ecology and conservation of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona

• Introduction
• Chapter 1: The cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl: Taxonomy, distribution, and natural history
• Chapter 2: A historical perspective on the population decline of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona
• Chapter 3: The status of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona: Population surveys and habitat assessment
• Chapter 4: The ferruginous pygmy-owl in the tropics and at the northern end of its range: Habitat relations and requirements
• Chapter 5: Research on the ferruginous pygmy-owl in Southern Texas: Methodology and applications
• Chapter 6: Research needs for the conservation of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona

Citation

Cartron, Jean-Luc E.; Finch, Deborah M. 2000. Ecology and conservation of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl in Arizona. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-43. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 68 p.