Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

COSEWIC Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2008

Common name : Short-eared Owl

Scientific name : Asioflammeus

Status : Special Concern

Reason for designation : This owl has suffered a continuing population decline over the past 40 years, including a loss of 23% in the last decade alone. Habitat loss and degradation on its wintering grounds are most likely the major threat, while continuing habitat loss and degradation on its breeding grounds in southern Canada and pesticide use are secondary threats. This species nearly meets the criteria for Threatened status.

Occurrence : Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador

Status history : Designated Special Concern in April 1994 and April 2008. Last assessment based on an update status report.

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