When avifauna collide: the case for lethal control of barred owls in western North America

Forest avifauna in eastern North America have expanded their range across the Great Plains to the West, likely due to anthropogenic changes. The barred owl (Strix varia) is a focal example of the negative effects that these intracontinental range expansions can have, with this invasive species becoming a major threat to the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and potentially larger biological communities. If barred owl populations are not managed immediately, northern spotted owl populations will likely be extirpated from large parts of their range and, ultimately, may become extinct. Of available management options, lethal control of barred owls has the greatest potential to rapidly benefit spotted owls and other impacted species. We argue that immediate action is necessary to buy time while other management options are explored and developed and that lethal control is an ethical management option. The barred owl conundrum exemplifies the challenges of managing native invasive species.