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- All Subjects: Bird populations
- All Subjects: Altar Valley (Ariz.)
- Creators: Pima County (Ariz.). County Administrator's Office
The Arizona population of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl was listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act in 1997. Historical records and recent surveys definitely show a decline of species. There is a wealth of historical information out there and it still trickles in every day.
The historical range of the ferruginous pygmy-owl included areas of southern Arizona, southern Texas extending south along both coasts in Mexico, through Central America into the southernmost population in Argentina. However, over the past 150 years urban and agricultural expansion within the United States has reduced its population to a few isolated pockets of uncertain stability.
Most of the owls until just the last couple of years have been found in residential areas in northwest Tucson. It take a lot of cooperation on the parts of private residents to help get the work done. These are incredible little birds that fill an interesting role in the environment since they are more diurnal versus nocturnal. Our objective is to gather as much information as fast as possible to feed into the process to make this County plan based on the best available science that we have.
Summarizes the attached resource reports that have been submitted so far to help develop the SDCP within the watershed planning area of the Altar Valley. This initial presentation of resource information is intended to both educate and serve as an invitation to greater participation in crafting the SDCP.
Arivaca, located on the southern border of Pima County, is one of the few remaining riparian areas in southern Arizona. This report presents collected data, shows how the Arivaca area relates to the SDCP, and makes recommendations on how the plan could address pressing groundwater issues in the Arivaca Valley.
Pima County contracted with Arizona Game and Fish Department to conduct telemetry analysis and gather information that would lead to effective conservation and recovery initiatives for the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl. During 1997, banded birds were monitored. Beginning in 1998 and during 1999, pygmy-owls were radio-marked with backpack transmitters and followed on foot or by vehicle.
A companion to the "Importance of Conserving Resources in the CIenega Creek Watershed" document and provides a focus on Altar Valley. This report includes detailed investigations into the historic conditions of the watershed, current rangeland conditions of biotic communities, and the environmental impact of a potential floodplain project.