The conservation of Leadbeater's possum in southeastern Australia and the northern spotted owl in the Pacific north-west of the USA; management issues, strategies and lessons

Abstract

Both Gymnobelideus leadbeateri and Strix occidentalis caurina occur in temperate forests that are also used for intensive wood production. A major conflict in land-use exsits between the conservation of these animals and intensive timber harvesting in both geographic regions. The Interagency Spotted Owl Scientific Committee developed a set of guiding biological principles and used knowledge of the autecology and natural history of the species to formulate a management plant to help ensure the viability of populations of the northern spotted owl beyond the next century. Unfortunately, the strategies currently proposed for the conservation of Leadbeater's possum are unlikely to ensure its long-term persistence, and the Victorian Government's position on this matter is inconsistent with its undertakings in the new National Forest Policy. -from Authors Show more