GPS Tracking Study Shows Barred Owls Occupy Northern Spotted Owl Habitats in Old-Growth Forests

A new study released on August 13, 2026, indicates that barred owls frequently occupy the same old-growth forests required by northern spotted owls for survival. Researchers utilized GPS tracking technology to monitor the habitat preferences of the invasive barred owl, finding that the species consistently selects the tallest and most structurally complex forest environments. The data suggests that active management of barred owl populations influences the availability of these critical habitats for the threatened northern spotted owl.

The research team tracked the movement patterns of barred owls to determine how their presence impacts the distribution of northern spotted owls within ancient forest ecosystems. The findings show that barred owls prioritize specific forest characteristics, which directly overlap with the nesting and foraging grounds of the native spotted owl. By documenting these spatial interactions, the study provides evidence regarding the ecological competition between the two species. The report concludes that current management strategies aimed at controlling barred owl populations alter the competitive landscape, thereby affecting the habitat access for northern spotted owls.

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Date: August 13, 2026

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GOAI