The Burrowing Owl Community Is Watching photo by Larry Jordan
Scott Artis of JournOwl has uncovered a cover-up at California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) involving the suppression of a report that suggests that their current policy relating to Burrowing Owls amounts to “take.” ” Take” is a euphemism for “killing” in conservation terms. Basically the suppressed report is confirmation that these practices have been a direct cause of the decline in Burrowing Owl numbers in California over the last several years.
We hope that shining a very bright light on these CDFG practices, and spreading the word amongst conservation and birding groups, will help to get these CDFG practices changed to measures that actually protect wildlife in California rather than destroy it.
As the facts of this cover-up come out we will keep you updated and discuss our strategy to push for implementation of new conservation plans for Athene cunicularia, the Burrowing Owl. Make sure to read Scott’s post for all the details.
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Thanks Larry. All of us working together on this issue as a united front is a great start to getting the new policy for owl conservation implemented. My insider sources have said the only way to get any changes and have CDFG take notice is to turn the spotlight on their activities via any media available and to get the courts involved.
I am looking forward to a response from the Attorney General. Thanks for the help!
.-= Scott´s last blog ..BREAKING NEWS: CDFG Suppresses Conservation Measures for Burrowing Owls =-.
“Take” isn’t really a euphemism for killing. It’s a legal term that refers to a broad range of activities, which can include killing, but also injury, nest destruction, capture, and various other forms of harassment that might cause a bird harm. A take can be legal or illegal depending on the birds involved and who authorized it. The term is a useful way of recognizing that direct killing isn’t the only problem.
.-= John´s last blog ..Repost: Red-shouldered Hawk =-.
Thanks to you and to Scott for letting some sunshine in on the agency – sounds like it’s much needed.
.-= Wren´s last blog ..name that track =-.
@Scott thank you for all the work you have done on this very important issue. Hopefully the problem can be solved without involving the courts
@John thank you very much for the clarification on “take.” This is a very important aspect of this situation and my current frustration with the CDFG and their treatment of Burrowing Owls. Thanks for giving my readers the correct definition
@Wren I hope it comes to a fruitful conclusion
wow. WOW. This is crazy. fingers crossed. gonna go check out Scott’s post now…
.-= Jill´s last blog ..Trinidad and Tobago Day 5 & 6: Beach Time! =-.