Strix varia (Barred Owl)
Credit: Erich Jarvis
about the species
Strix varia, the barred owl, is a forest-dwelling raptor native to eastern North America that has expanded its range into western forests, including California. It occupies a wide range of forest types and competes with the native spotted owl for habitat and resources. This range expansion has important ecological and management implications for California’s forest ecosystems.
why species was selected
The barred owl was selected because of its recent range expansion and interactions with native species. Genomic data can help clarify population origins, patterns of spread, and hybridization dynamics, informing management strategies for conserving forest biodiversity in California.
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