The Urban Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia urbanus) is increasingly finding itself under anthropogenic expansionist pressures. As a result, once fertile habitat is being lost as the invasive Concrete coverupus and Asphalte disruptus continue to encroach throughout North America. As traditional habitat shrinks we [society] wonder why this species would choose to occupy landscapes clearly ordained for development. There’s a simple solution if we want to coexist, but at the moment classifying this species as a mere pest makes short-term monetary sense. Sustainable development anyone?
The next time you see any empty lot or a neighborhood in the beginning stages of development, keep your eyes open as you just may encounter the amenable, unique, inquisitive and endangered Urban Burrowing Owl. Visit Burrowing Owl Conservation Network for information.