Defenders' Experts
Cactus Ferriginous Pygmy-Owl Background and Recovery
The Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl is a tiny but ferocious carnivore that nests primarily in the Saguaro cacti of southern Arizona. Its historic range extends south into Mexico and as far north as Phoenix, and records indicate this owl was once abundant throughout its range in the United States. However, since 1993 no more than 41 individuals have been found, and today the owl numbers less than 20 throughout its range in Arizona. The pygmy-owl was listed as endangered in 1997, and due to decades of unplanned suburban sprawl in fast-growing southern Arizona, this tiny carnivore faces imminent extinction.
Urban Sprawl Destroys Habitat
Pima County, Arizona, has long been one of the fastest growing areas in the country, losing 1 acre of desert habitat to new development every 2 hours. Much of this development has occurred in the area of northwest Tucson, considered by biologists to be the most critical pygmy-owl habitat in the region. This unprecedented development pressure led to a steep decline in owls, and they have virtually disappeared from this booming area. Learn more about conservation planning efforts underway to protect pygmy-owls.
Development Industry & Bush Administration Push for Delisting
Making matters worse for the pygmy-owl, the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the Bush Administration took advantage of a prolonged court battle instigated by the development industry to strip the owl of all federal protections. Learn more.
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