Western Burrowing Owl to Become a Candidate Species under the California Endangered Species Act

On October 10, 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) voted that listing the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) may be warranted throughout its entire range in California. This vote means that the species advances to candidate status under the CESA. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will conduct a one-year review to gather the information needed by the Commission to make a final decision on the CESA listing. The final CESA listing decision is expected in late 2025.

Will My Project Be Affected?

As a CESA candidate, western burrowing owls enjoy the same protections as those afforded to threatened or endangered species. This means that activities that could result in take of western burrowing owls will require authorization from the CDFW. Many development projects with western burrowing owls on site will need to obtain an incidental take permit for the species.

SWCA Can Help

SWCA’s wildlife biologists and permitting specialists can help you navigate these regulatory hurdles. Our team of experts can help:

• Determine whether an incidental take permit is needed
• Draft the application
• Negotiate with the CDFW
• Assist with mitigation solutions