Investing in the future of the Tasmanian Masked Owl

Forestry Tasmania welcomes a new study on the Tasmanian masked owl as an important step in increasing understanding and awareness of issues affecting the bird.


“As a partner in the Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry, FT contributes to and benefits from the knowledge and information that is generated through its research programs,” said Dr Hans Drielsma, FT’s Executive General Manager.


“In the case of the Tasmanian masked owl, the collective knowledge is limited. For this reason, the CRC for Forestry’s ‘trees in the landscape’ research program has been taking a closer look at the key factors affecting the owl, led by Michael Todd.

“The masked owl has been seen in all areas of the state apart from the southwest. Most often, it is seen in lowland, dry sclerophyll forest in the southeast and central north of the state, although it has been observed in wet eucalypt forest, non-eucalypt dominated forest, scrub as well as urban and suburban locations.

“It is known to nest in tree hollows, and roosts by day in dense foliage of tall trees, or in hollow tree trunks and sometimes in caves or rock crevices and occasionally human-made structures such as farm sheds and open buildings.

“The masked owl can be found anywhere there are large hollows, including urban areas. The preferred habitat is close to the forest edge where there is a complex mosaic of understorey components. It feeds primarily on introduced rodents like rabbits, marsupials, and native birds.

“There is some evidence that indicates a decline in masked owl numbers may have occurred since European settlement. Based on estimates of home range size and the area of suitable habitat, there are approximately 1300 mature individuals.

“The masked owl meets the criteria for listing as ‘endangered’ because the population is less than 2500 individuals.

“The reasons for population decline vary and need further investigation. It faces competition for habitat from feral honeybees, introduced kookaburras, and increasing numbers of brushtail possums.

“Other threats include loss of habitat, land-clearing for agriculture, collisions with vehicles, fences or power poles, electrocution on powerlines, a possible decline in the availability of small mammals as prey, changes in fire regimes, and competition with other nocturnal birds of prey.


David Tuck, Corporate Relations 6233 8249
ENDS
7 April 200