The theory behind the Conservancy’s efforts is essentially to provide sanctuary to the NBHCP’s “covered species.” That is, after being displaced by urbanization, these plants and wildlife have a protected place to live and grow. My worst days are when the effects of urbanization impinge on the sanctuaries the Conservancy has carefully constructed for these species’ benefit. Human intrusion onto preserves recently reared an ugly head, and there are times when this demoralizes one. There are two kinds of trespass and intrusion here. There is the patently illegal, where the perpetrator is no doubt aware of the nature of what he or she is doing. This includes dumping of stolen cars and setting them on fire on a preserve, for instance. Then there is the unwitting person, who drops off the household cat, thinking this is a humane way to unload the family pet. Yet the cats are so brutal on some of the covered species (burrowing owls come to mind), and if the person only knew, you’d hope they wouldn’t do this. Burning cars and loose cats aren’t conducive to successful mitigation of those species covered under the NBHCP. Tomorrow, well, I’ll recover from this latest unmentioned human disturbance and hope these examples suffice. And it will be a better day. I promise!
The Hoot of Success
The Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is one of the HCPs’ “Covered Species.” And, we on the Conservancy staff freely admit, it’s a favorite. The reason is simple: these birds are so gregarious and fun to watch, they are irresistible. Some 20 years or so ago, the Conservancy, working in cooperation …