Great Gray Owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park: On the Importance of Food, Forest Structure, and Human Disturbance

Great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park exhibit strong habitat preferences for mid-elevation red fir forests with adjacent meadows, which support higher small mammal populations critical to their diet. However, these preferred habitats also experience the highest levels of human recreational activity, which negatively impacts owl distribution and habitat use. The study highlights a conservation paradox: while owls thrive in areas with abundant prey and suitable forest structure, human disturbance—such as recreation—adversely affects their presence. Researchers analyzed variables including prey abundance, snag availability, and indicators of human activity to assess their influence on owl occurrence. This work provides critical insights for land managers, emphasizing the need to balance natural resource conservation with recreational use to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species.

Charles van, R., Fontaine, J. J., & Wagtendonk, J. W. v. (2013). Great Gray Owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park: On the Importance of Food, Forest Structure, and Human Disturbance. Natural Areas Journal, 33(3), 286–295. https://doi.org/10.3375/043.033.0307