Masked Owl (northern)
Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: Fri Jan 09 2015 14:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Least Concern
Listed since: Fri Sep 07 2018 14:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Population trend: Stable
Other names: None
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Masked Owl is a large robust owl with a prominent dark-rimmed facial disc. The upperparts are intricately streaked and mottled with buff and/or white over a blackish ground colour, while the underparts are buff to white with black speckling (Northern Territory Government, 2021)
Threats
The reason for the decline and low density of masked owls in northern Australia is unclear. The subspecies has undoubtedly been affected by broad-scale changes to the environment of northern Australia caused by altered fire regimes, grazing by livestock and feral animals, and the invasion of native woodlands by exotic plants, particularly introduced pasture grasses. However, the most likely cause of declines is a shortage of food, as small and medium-sized native mammals are becoming increasingly uncommon across much of northern Australia.