Burrowing Owl
(Athene cunicularia)
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing owls are widely distributed
east of the Continental Divide with
no records west of the Continental Divide
since 1991. Burrowing owls are found in
open grasslands, where abandoned burrows
dug by mammals such as ground squirrels,
prairie dogs and badgers are available.
Conservation concerns include: elimination
of burrowing mammals that provide critical
habitat; habitat loss and fragmentation due
to agricultural and urban development; and
petroleum exploration and development.
Conservation strategies include: continuing
maintaining and monitoring of burrowing
mammals colonies; developing conservation
easements and other conservation practices that
recover or protect native prairie grassland areas;
and researching impacts of road building and
water retention pond construction as they
relate to gas and oil development activities.
