Wildlife Agency Greatly Increases Habitat Judged Essential for Northern Spotted Owl

摘要

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule Nov. 21 that expands critical habitat for the northern spotted owl to almost 9.58 million acres in three states, a step especially intended to protect old-growth forests and other "high value" forest habitat. The wildlife service designated 5.3 million acres as critical habitat for the species in 2008, but the designation was remanded in 2010 after environmental advocates brought suit. Northern spotted owls are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.