Read About How an Owl Can Teach Us About Ecosystem Health

(Credit: © Jonathan C. Slaght, WCS Russia.)

A study spearheaded by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Minnesota has shown that the world's largest owl -- and one of the rarest -- is also a key indicator of the health of some of the last great primary forests of Russia's Far East.

"Blakiston's fish owl is a clear indicator of the health of the forests, rivers, and salmon populations," said lead author Jonathan Slaght of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Nearly a yard high, weighing up to 10 pounds and with a wingspan of six feet, it is the world’s largest owl.  Jonathan came to TRC and worked with us to learn how to safely handle wild raptors.  Dr. Ponder and TRC volunteers also showed him how to put on a harnass that is used for satellite transmitters. Jonathan was a recent visitor to TRC, and introduced us to several of his colleagues.