Loggers May Help Endangered Owls in Russia in a Conservation Twist

In a weird conservation twist, loggers may actually benefit owls. A recent study shows that loggers that take steps can actually preserve endangered Blakiston's fish owls in Russia.

In this latest study, the researchers looked at the greatest proportion of suitable fish owl habitat in a 7,804 square mile study area. They found that the greatest proportion of this area, about 43 percent, was located in lands leased to logging companies. Only 19 percent of the lands, which is enough for only eight owl pairs, was protected in nature reserves.

With that said, the relationship between fish owl advocates and logging companies in Russia isn't as contentious as the conflict between spotted owls and loggers in the American Pacific Northwest. In fact, one of the biggest logging companies in Russia is already working with biologists to identify select patches of riverine forest on their lands that are crucial to the fish owl's survival, including huge trees for nesting and stretches of river where the owls can hunt salmon.

"This commitment to fish owl habitat protection by a logging company is significant," said Sergei Surmach, one of the researchers, in a news release.  "We are always looking to balance the needs of the economy and endangered species like fish owls. And in this case, everybody wins."

The findings could help logging companies decide which areas to protect in order to preserve these owls for future generations. By working with logging companies, conservationists and loggers alike can both meet their goals.

The findings are published in the journal Conservation International.

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