Species Project ap environmental Science

Indicator Species

Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls are one of three subspecies of the ferruginous pygmy-owls. They mainly eat small birds, lizards, insects, small mammals, frogs and earthworms. Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls live in the desert habitat of southern Arizona in the southwestern United States, and northwestern Mexico. They live at elevations below 4,000 feet (1,200 m). They prefer to live in desertscrub thickets, trees, and large cacti for nesting and posting. In late in the winter or early spring the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls begin nesting in the cavities of trees or cacti like the saguaro and organ pipe. Owlets leave their nest 28 days after hatching.

Identifying Characteristics:

The feathers on their back are creamy-brown. The underside is cream-colored with reddish-brown stripes. The top of the Pygmy Owl’s heads are slightly streaked. On the back of the head, they have two black eye spots outlined in white. Their eyes are yellow and round. Their tails are longer than most owls, and they have no tufts on their ears. The average length is 6.7 inches. The males average 2.2 ounces and females 2.6 ounces.

The Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is threatened by habitat loss. They used to be very common and could be found in Arizona from the New River north of Phoenix to the Mexican border. Now they can only be found between Tucson and the Mexican border, and less than 50 remain in the state. Eighty-five percent of Arizona’s natural habitats are lost due to development, livestock grazing, water withdrawal and other factors. Climate change also threatens habitat loss for the owl as an increase in wildfires and droughts. Invasive species also pose a threat to the owls by competition for resources and nesting places.

Solutions/Successes/Possible Course of Action for Protection or Removal:

The pygmy owl was previously protected as an endangered species in Arizona in 199. In 2003, a federal court ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explain why they think the population of the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is lower than the population of other birds in the desert, and in 2006, the agency removed protections. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service researched threats across the Sonoran Desert from urban sprawl, invasive species, fire, drought and other factors and found they are severe. The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, which has received broad public support and is currently being finalized, was created to protect this owl and many other species.

The historic range of the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl is very similar to its current range. However, the numbers of the owl are much smaller. It has been reported that there was a 26% decline in the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy Owl population.