On the Brink
Sandra Menzel, an avian ecologist with the Talon Ecological Research Group, describes the efforts being taken in the Santa Clara Valley to restore burrowing owl populations. Rapid urban development spurred by the tech boom of the late 1980s led to a huge decline in the number of burrowing owls, reducing the number of adults to only 40. However, due to recent efforts to preserve habitat, monitor nests, and create captive breeding centers, this special species is slowly being brought back from the brink as their numbers begin to grow once more. Though the project is ongoing, researchers are optimistic about the rate of recovery projected for burrowing owls in this region. Talon Ecological Research Group is heading this project with funding from the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, as well as support from POST, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center and Peninsula Humane Society.
Learn more about this project here: https://openspacetrust.org/blog/burro...