Scientists find new owl subspecies in Yosemite

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

By The Associated Press

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) - Scientists say new research shows owls flying in Yosemite are a distinct subspecies of the great gray owls found in North America.

A new study written by scientists at the U.S. Forest Service and other state and federal agencies shows the Yosemite owl has key genetic differences from the emblematic bird.

Wildlife ecologists believe it likely evolved in isolation for more than 25,000 years after being stranded by ice fields and glaciers during the last Ice Age.

The research group also found the Yosemite owl nests slightly differently from other great gray owls.

Rangers say there only are about 150 great grays living in the park's lush forests and surrounding private lands. But overall, more than half of California's great gray owls are found in the Yosemite region.

Source: Madera Tribune.
Link: http://www.maderatribune.com/news/newsview.asp?c=256101.