Habitat Enhancement

What if our grasslands disappear?

Burrowing owls nest in the grasslands in Canada. Grasslands are one of the most imperiled ecosystems on the planet. Not only are grasslands on the decline but many grassland-dependent species are seeing declines as well, including the burrowing owl. Burrowing owls are listed as Endangered across their range in Canada, both federally and provincially. In Manitoba, burrowing owls were more common throughout southern Manitoba however in recent years their range has contracted to the southwestern corner of the province in the Mixed-Grass Prairies. Burrowing owls like open, short-grass areas (grazed pasture) with available burrows. They are unable to dig their own burrows and rely on digging mammals like ground squirrels, foxes, badgers and prairie dogs to excavate burrows for them. Cattle and digging animals have a vital role in maintaining habitat for burrowing owls.