Safeguarding the Northern Spotted Owl: A Translocation Feasibility Study

Northern spotted owl adult. Photo by National Audubon Society.

The Northern spotted owl, a symbol of old-growth forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest, is facing a critical juncture. Once widespread across Washington state, this sensitive species is now at risk of extirpation from its historic range. Since the 1980s, populations have plummeted due to habitat loss and competition from the invasive barred owl. 

In partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and other collaborators, Computational Ecology Group has developed a robust simulation framework to evaluate translocation strategies for the Northern spotted owl. This initiative has been deeply collaborative, involving regular engagement with two expert advisory groups composed of scientists, land managers, and other end-users of the research products. 

The foundation of this effort is a spatial population simulation model designed to assess the range of potential ecological outcomes of population augmentation strategies, including wild-to-wild translocations and conservation breeding and release programs. The model is grounded in empirical data, and incorporates a genetic subcomponent to evaluate the potential impacts of inbreeding as population sizes fluctuate. 

We’re excited to share our model findings! We are working on a peer-reviewed manuscript that describes how different kinds of translocations could affect population outcomes for Northern Spotted Owls in Washington.