Multispecies Inventory from Predator Diets and Barred Owl Impact Study

SWCA is conducting a study of predator diets and the impact of barred owls in Forest Park for the Portland Parks and Recreation Department. With more than 5,000 acres of undeveloped land, Forest Park is home to more than 100 species of native birds and more than 50 mammal species.

The study will analyze the diversity and abundance of small mammals, the density and reproductive success of the invasive barred owl, the use of the park by the native great horned owl, and coyote ecology and prey use in the park. Identifying predator-prey relationships will lead to a better understanding of small mammal abundance and distribution in the park. The Portland Parks and Recreation Department will incorporate study results into a multi-species inventory and use the data to direct wildlife management decisions for Forest Park.

Barred owl photo credit: Mark Musselman/USFWS