The Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) (owl) inhabits canyon and montane forest habitats across a range that extends from southern Utah and Colorado, through Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas, to the mountains of central Mexico.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service listed the owl on March 16, 1993 (58 FR 14248) without critical habitat. A final rule designating critical habitat for the owl was published on June 6, 1995 (60 FR 29914).  As a result of several court rulings, the Service removed critical habitat designation for the owl on March 25, 1998 (63 FR 14378). On March 13, 2000, the Service was again ordered to propose critical habitat within 4 months of the court order and to complete a final designation by January 15, 2001.  Thus, the Service has now designated approximately 4.6 million acres of critical habitat for the owl in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, on Federal Lands.

Critical habitat refers to specific geographic areas that are essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management considerations. A critical habitat designation does not set up a preserve or refuge and only applies to situations where Federal funding, authorization or permits are involved. Since no private, state or tribal lands are being designated, the designation will only affect activities on Federal lands.

Additionally, not all the areas within the mapped boundaries have habitat elements important to the owl. The Service will require consultations only on the activities that affect those areas that contain the primary constituent elements (physical and biological features necessary for the species’ survival).  Private inholdings may appear in the mapped areas but are not included in the designation.  The primary constituent elements identified in the rule were based on information within the Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mexican Spotted Owl Critical Habitat Designation - August 31, 2004

Mexican Spotted Owl Critical Habitat Designation Archive

DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT OVERVIEW MAP

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