Action Statement Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 No. 116
Description and distribution The Barking Owl Ninox connivens (Latham, 1802) belongs to the family Strigidae (Hawk Owls). It has large, brilliant yellow, forward-directed eyes in an indistinct facial mask. It is a medium- sized brown owl with white spots on the wings and a streaked breast. The forehead, crown, nape and facial mask are various shades of brown, whilst the throat may be brown, white or white streaked with brown. The upper parts of the wings and back are brown with large white spots. The species attains a length of 35-45cm, a wing span of 85-100cm, and a weight of 425- 510g (Hollands 1991). It has a dog-like barking call, and will occasionally emit a blood-curdling screech, likened to that of a ‘screaming’ or ‘wailing’ woman (Schodde and Mason 1980, Barking Owl Ninox connivens Hollands 1991, E. McNabb pers. comm.). (Image: © Natasha Schedvin) The Barking Owl occurs in New Guinea and adjacent islands and mainland Australia, where an endemic race (N. c. connivens) occupies a disjunct distribution throughout much of the continent, although it is absent from the arid, treeless expanses of Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia.
Within Victoria, the species has been recorded from scattered localities throughout the state, although it is largely absent from unforested areas such as the volcanic plains and the semi- arid north-west (NRE 2001). The species predominantly occurs in the 400-700 mm rainfall zone north of the Great Dividing Range Distribution in Victoria (Emison et al. 1987). + before 1970, since 1970 [source: Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, NRE 2001] Habitat haematogaster (Hollands 1991, Kavanagh et al. Within Victoria the Barking Owl occurs in open 1995, Kirsten and Taylor 1995). Waterbirds such woodlands and open forests, including Box- as grebes (Podicipedidae) are also taken (E. McNabb Ironbark and riparian River Red Gum Eucalyptus pers. comm.). Barking Owls sometimes begin camaldulensis habitats, as well as some foothill hunting before dark and continue after dawn, habitats on granitic slopes. The species has been presumably taking diurnal prey such as birds at recorded more frequently in edge habitats such as these times. The species is also known to call the interface between woodlands and wooded during daylight hours (E. McNabb pers. comm.). farmland, than in forest interiors (Robinson 1994, The Barking Owl defends a small territory within a Kirsten and Taylor 1999). This perceived much larger home range (Schodde and Mason preference is likely to be due to the foraging 1980). Home range estimates vary from behaviour of the species, the abundance of approximately 100 to 1 000ha (Schodde and Mason European Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (a 1980, Robinson 1994). common prey item), and possibly the preponderance of larger, hollow-bearing trees on Conservation status freehold land compared to public forests (Robinson 1994). Hydrological features such as Australia rivers and swamps are often a conspicuous Near Threatened Garnett and Crowley (2000) component of Barking Owl habitat (Kavanagh et al. 1995, Taylor et al. 1999). Victoria
Live hollow-bearing trees are favoured for nesting Endangered NRE (2000) over dead ones in Victoria, and species used The Barking Owl is listed as threatened under the include: Red Box E. polyanthemos, Grey Box E. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. microcarpa, White Box E. albens, Apple Box E. bridgesiana, Red Stringybark E. macrorhyncha, Decline and threats River Red Gum and Blakely’s Gum E. blakelyi The Barking Owl is the most threatened owl in (Robinson 1994). Victoria. The population has been estimated to be fewer than 50 breeding pairs (Silveira et al. 1997), Life history and ecology though recent work in north-eastern Victoria The Barking Owl is an obligate hollow-nester, and (Taylor et al. 1999; N. Schedvin pers. comm.) pairs, which usually mate for the life of a partner, suggests that this estimate will need to be revised may re-use the same nest hollow for many years upwards. Existing records of Barking Owls on the (Robinson 1994). Preferred hollows are usually Atlas of Victorian Wildlife database (NRE 2001) are large, with entrance diameters between 25-45cm, unlikely to give an accurate representation of the and internal depths of 20-250cm (Schodde and current distribution and abundance of the species. Mason 1980). The species nests between July and Many of these records are dated, occurring in areas October (Robinson 1994), usually producing two or where once-suitable habitat has been lost or three eggs that take approximately 36 days to degraded. Extensive surveys in Victorian forests hatch (Hollands 1991). The young frequently have shown the species to be rare, localised and remain with the parents until the following autumn mainly found in north-eastern Victoria (Loyn et al. or winter. Breeding success is apparently variable 2001). Targeted surveys (Taylor et al. 1999) have and probably low (Robinson 1994). failed to record Barking Owls from the majority of The Barking Owl takes a variety of vertebrate and sites in western Victoria where they had been invertebrate prey, the proportions of which appear previously recorded. Many historical records may to vary in relation to the breeding season of the be erroneous, especially in southern Victoria, species; mainly insects are taken outside of the resulting from the misidentification of the calls of breeding season, and more birds and mammals are other birds or mammals (R. Loyn and E. McNabb taken during the breeding season. European pers. comm.). Rabbits are the dominant prey for some southern The primary threat to the Barking Owl in Victoria is populations (Hollands 1991, Robinson 1994); loss of habitat, particularly the deterioration or however, some populations rarely take Rabbits loss of the large, hollow-bearing trees on which the (Higgins 1999). Other important prey species species depends for nesting. Hollows suitable for include Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps, Squirrel nesting for owls do not form in eucalypts until Glider P. norfolcensis, Common Brushtail Possum they are at least 150-200 years old (Parnaby 1995). Trichosurus vulpecula, rodents, Lesser Long-eared Similarly, hollows are an important resource for Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi and a range of birds, many prey species of the Barking Owl, e.g. gliders including Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris, and possums. Such trees are not being regrown Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen, Eastern Rosella rapidly enough to exceed expected losses in the Platycercus eximius and Blue Bonnet Northiella
2 next century. The removal of dead, standing trees Sturt University, with support from NRE. and stags for firewood is also likely to remove Surveys of forest owls have been conducted by nesting sites for the species (E. McNabb pers. NRE through most of Victoria’s forests. comm.). Conservation objectives Native prey species such as arboreal mammals and hollow-nesting birds have declined in some areas Long term objectives through clearing of native vegetation, loss of 1. Protecting all Barking Owls and remnant hollows and the impact of introduced predators. Barking Owl habitat, and promoting the These declines may also have contributed to the restoration of Barking Owl habitat on public decline of the Barking Owl, although in some areas and private land; European Rabbits have become a substitute prey, and local populations of the Barking Owl have 2. Generating community awareness regarding become heavily dependent upon them. the conservation of Barking Owls and their habitat, and encouraging community support It is not known how the owls will fare through and involvement in the protection and periods of Rabbit decline due to climate restoration of owl habitat; fluctuations, control programs or disease such as calicivirus. Where poisons are used to control 3. Improving knowledge of habitat requirements Rabbits, secondary poisoning of owls may be an and developing new management approaches issue. to providing those requirements.;
Objectives of this Action Statement Existing conservation measures 1. Identifying and protecting Barking Owl habitat • The Midlands Forest Management Plan (FMP) on public land (and private land where (NRE 1996a) states that conservation of the possible) to ensure protection of 150 breeding Barking Owl in this region will follow an pairs of Barking Owls across the range of the appropriate management regime as outlined in species in Victoria in the next five years.; this Action Statement. As an interim conservation measure, a 250m Special 2. Conducting research on Barking Owl Protection Zone (SPZ) is to be established populations and habitat use, to help refine around nesting or residency sites as they are management practices in future. Investigating discovered. Within this Zone nest trees and all habitat dynamics (e.g. phylogeny of nest trees within a radius of 100m from the nest hollow) of Barking Owls and their prey, as an tree will be protected, and logging operations, aid to developing new habitat as opportunities road construction and other activities likely to arise. Modelling habitats and testing models disturb breeding activity will be excluded. This mainly as an aid to efficient survey work; strategy is to be reviewed when 20 SPZs have 3. Implementing management prescriptions for been established in the Midlands FMA for the designated habitat areas within state forest species. and conservation reserves, and encouraging • The Central Highlands FMP (NRE 1998) provides similar actions by private landholders; for a 100m buffer to be reserved around any nest tree used during the last five years, and no 4. Monitoring population size to determine if timber harvesting to occur within 250m of a management prescriptions are effective. nest tree during the breeding season. Liaising with New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) to determine • The North East FMP (NRE 2001) states that, the wider population viability of populations within a 3.5km radius of a confirmed Barking occurring close to the border. Owl record, approximately 300-500ha of suitable forest, including the detection site This strategy follows the approach developed for where possible, will be reserved from Powerful Owls (Ninox strenua) by Webster et al. harvesting. This may be in the form of existing (1999). conservation reserves, or where necessary, areas of Special Protection Zone (SPZ) and/or Intended management actions Special Management Zone (SMZ). Identification and protection of Barking Owl sites • Other FMAs that contain Barking Owls do not 1. Conduct surveys to locate as many resident have completed FMPs. The development of pairs of Barking Owls as possible across land these plans should include conservation tenures throughout the main range of the measures for the species, in consultation with species, focusing mainly on Box-Ironbark and experts on owl biology. River Red Gum forests and woodlands north • A research project on the ecology of Barking of the Great Divide. Owls is currently being conducted by Charles
3 Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna Owl are made consistent across all FMAs where the Division; Forests Service), Parks Victoria species occurs in Victoria.
2. Select areas of suitable habitat to be managed 4. Barking Owl Management Areas (BOMAs): for the protection of Barking Owl up to a Where clear-fell or seed-tree systems are used, target of 150 resident pairs on public or delineate and protect a core area of suitable private land in the next five years. Such habitat of 300-500ha as Special Protection protected areas will be termed Barking Owl Zone (SPZ). Where BOMAs are based on Management Areas (BOMAs) and may overlap specific records (rather than habitat with management areas established for other modelling), the SPZ will fall within a 3.5km species. Priority should be given to locating radius (approximate area of 3,800ha) of the and protecting nest sites or probable breeding record. areas based on the occurrence of owlets or adult roosting pairs. Selection of BOMAs Responsibility: NRE (Forests Service; Regions) should be based both on the strength of 5. Barking Owl Management Areas (BOMAs): evidence for existence of a resident pair, and Where selective harvesting (NRE 1996a) is on the need for BOMAs to be distributed used, manage areas of 600-1 000ha to throughout the main range of the species with maintain habitat capable of supporting a reasonable spread across habitats and land adequate populations of terrestrial and tenures. Preference will be given to the arboreal prey mammals to support breeding protection of suitable habitat within owls. Where BOMAs are based on specific conservation reserves, especially in large records they will comprise 3ha SPZs around reserves where the entire home range can be the records plus SMZs of about 600-1 000ha protected within the reserve. which will allow for modified timber Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna harvesting practices that retain sufficient Division; Forests Service), Parks Victoria levels of habitat trees. BOMAs based on habitat modelling will comprise solely the 600- Modelling 1 000ha SMZs. 3. As more information becomes available from Responsibility: NRE (Forests Service; Regions) current or future research projects, it may prove feasible to model the distribution of 6. All confirmed nesting and roosting sites Barking Owls (as already done for Powerful utilised recently and frequently (based on and Sooty Owls) and use these models to reliable observation or physical evidence such predict where Barking Owls are most likely to as pellets or wash) located outside BOMAs occur. Because of the apparent rarity of the will be protected by a 3ha SPZ around the site species, such models will need to be used and a 250-300m radius (or equivalent linear mainly as a survey tool to help locate suitable area) SMZ buffers around identified localities, habitat where survey effort may be most unless they are already protected. usefully applied. Protection would be afforded Responsibility: NRE (Forests Service; Regions) to such sites where practical if they were 7. Timber harvesting will be excluded from SPZs, found to support Barking Owls in the course and prescriptions will be applied within SMZs of model testing and further survey work. to protect hollow-bearing trees for owls and Research information will also be used to help prey species along with younger trees that restore habitat for Barking Owls over time in may provide hollows in future. These areas areas where this proves practical. An adaptive will be managed to maintain habitat capable of approach will be needed as new information supporting adequate populations of birds and becomes available. arboreal prey mammals to support breeding Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna owls. Special Management Zone Plans will be Division; Forests Service) prepared specifying the prescriptions to be applied within SMZs for Barking Owl and will Protection in State forest become part of the relevant Regional In State forests, the requirements of this Action prescriptions. Statement will be implemented through the development of forest management plans to Responsibility: NRE (Forests Service; Regions) ensure effective integration of owl conservation Protection in conservation reserves measures with other forest values and uses. Conservation strategies for Barking Owls 8. Locate, monitor and protect all known Barking established in existing plans are generally Owl sites within the parks and reserves consistent with this Action Statement, and will be system. In larger parks and reserves, identify maintained until the plans are reviewed. NRE will BOMAs of at least 500ha of continuous ensure that conservation measures for the Barking suitable habitat that can be managed to be free
4 of significant disturbances. In smaller Community involvement and extension conservation reserves, protect as much 14. Prepare and distribute an information suitable habitat as possible and endeavour to pamphlet and record card to reach potential obtain co-operative management from observers through established networks such adjoining landowners. as Birds Australia, Bird Observers Club of Responsibility: Parks Victoria Australia, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, Land for Wildlife scheme, Victorian National 9. Avoid the development of intensive Parks Association and the Trust for Nature, to recreational facilities near known nesting and encourage the community to report known roosting trees and discourage public access to nest sites, roosting sites and general sightings breeding areas. of the Barking Owl. Responsibility: Parks Victoria Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna Division) Protection on other Crown land 10. Other Crown land having owl conservation Research value and suitable habitat will be identified as 15. Encourage universities, Birds Australia and the part of the assessment process and exempted Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental from disposal, or sold with a caveat that Research to collect data for habitat modelling includes site protection measures equivalent and conduct research into the habitat to those in Point 4 (above) as a minimum, requirements, dynamics and density of dependent on land size, location and Barking Owl populations, impacts of forest reservation status. management practices on nest site availability, Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna prey density, recruitment, hollow ontogeny, Division; Regions) home range requirements and dispersal capabilities throughout Victoria. Protection on private land Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna 11. Through the local planning scheme, encourage Division; Forests Service), Parks Victoria and assist Municipal Councils to incorporate protection overlays for owl habitat and 16. Assess effectiveness of alternative breeding sites across private land. management strategies, using empirical research where possible and (if appropriate) Responsibility: NRE (Regions), local analytical tools such as Population Viability government authorities Analysis. Devise strategies for developing new 12. Ensure, using provisions of local planning habitat. schemes, the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna 1988 and the Planning and Environment Act Division; Forests Service), Parks Victoria 1987, that Municipal Councils meet objectives and obligations to protect owl habitat on Monitoring and review private land when considering land-use 17. Monitor selected pairs of Barking Owls to change. Municipal Councils should be determine details of habitat use, population encouraged to liaise with NRE over owl trends and site fidelity. Monitor populations conservation matters. to determine success of management actions. Responsibility: NRE (Regions), local Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna government authorities Division; Forests Service), Parks Victoria
13. Encourage private landowners to enter into 18. Review and apply the results of research voluntary agreements (e.g., Trust for Nature findings to the management prescriptions covenants, Land for Wildlife scheme) to protect determined above, especially in relation to owl sites on private land across the range of home range and population viability. the species. Planning permit applications Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna (subdivision, native vegetation clearing, mining Division) etc.) will be assessed to evaluate and prevent or minimise loss or deterioration of Barking Other desirable actions Owl habitat. Private landowners will be encouraged to protect scattered trees on 19. Trial the use of Barking Owl nest-boxes as farmland. temporary substitutes for tree hollows at selected sites, particularly in box-ironbark Responsibility: NRE (Parks, Flora and Fauna forests and on private land. Trials should Division; Regions), Trust for Nature, Catchment Management Authorities, local government commence in areas currently occupied by owls authorities to determine their efficacy with this species.
5 20. Conduct diet studies for the Barking Owl in all Robinson, D. (1994) Research plan for threatened woodland birds of south-eastern Australia. Arthur major habitat types occupied by the species. Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Densities and population dynamics of main Report Series No. 133. prey items in each habitat should be used to SAC (1995) Final Recommendation on a nomination for refine territory size estimates. listing: Ninox connivens Barking Owl (Nomination No. 343). Scientific Advisory Committee, Flora and Fauna 21. Undertake telemetry studies to determine Guarantee. Department of Conservation and Natural dispersal and recruitment of young birds into Resources: Melbourne. the established population, and movements Schodde, R. and Mason, I. J. (1980) Nocturnal Birds of and home range size of breeding adults. Australia. Lansdowne, Melbourne. Shaffer, M. L. (1981) Minimum population sizes for References species conservation. Bioscience 31: 131-134. DSE (2003) “Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Vascular Silveira, C.E., Yen, A.L., Bennett, A.F., Brown, G.W., Hinkley, Plants in Victoria – 2003”. Department of S.D., Loyn, R.H., Lumsden, L.F. and Smith, W. (1997) Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, Australia. Fauna of the Box-Ironbark study area. Unpublished report to the Land Conservation Council. Arthur Rylah Emison, W.B., Beardsell, C.M., Norman, F.I. and Loyn, R.H. Institute for Environmental Research, Melbourne. (1987). Atlas of Victorian Birds. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, and RAOU, Soule, M. E. (Ed.) (1987) Viable Populations for Melbourne. Conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Garnett, S.T. and Crowley, G.M. (2000) The Action Plan for Taylor, I.R., Kirsten, I. and Peake, P. (1999) Distribution Australian Birds 2000. Environment Australia, and habitat of Barking Owls (Ninox connivens) in the Canberra. west region of Victoria. Owls 2000 – The biology, conservation and cultural significance of owls. Higgins, P.J. (ed.) (1999). Handbook of Australian, New Conference symposium. Zealand and Antarctic birds. Vol. 4 Parrots to Dollarbird. Oxford University Press, Victoria. Webster, A., Humphries, R. and Lowe, K. 1999. Powerful Owl. FFG Action Statement No. 92. Department of Hollands, D. (1991) Birds of the Night. Reed Books, New Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. South Wales. Kavanagh, R. P., Debus, S.J.S., Rose, A.B. and Turner, R.J. (1995) Diet and habitat of the Barking Owl Ninox connivens in New South Wales. Australian Bird Compiled by Nick Clemann and Richard Loyn, Watcher 16: 137-144. Arthur Rylah Institute, Department of Sustainability Kirsten, I. and Taylor, I. (1999) Habitat requirements and and Environment. conservation of the Barking Owl Ninox connivens connivens in North eastern Victoria. Owls 2000 – The biology, conservation and cultural significance of owls. Further information can be obtained from Conference symposium. Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Latham, J. (1802) Supplementum Indicis Ornithologici, sive Systematis Ornithologiae. London: G. Leigh, J & S Sotheby. 74pp. [12]. [Publication erroneously dated as Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statements are 1801]. available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au Loyn, R.H., McNabb, E.G., Volodina, L. and Willig, R. (2001) Modelling landscape distributions of large forest owls as applied to managing forests in north-east Victoria, This Action Statement was prepared under section Australia. Biological Conservation.97: 361-376. 19 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 under delegation from Chloe Munro, Secretary, NRE (1996a) Midlands Forest Management Plan. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Melbourne. December 2001. NRE (1996b) Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production. Revision No. 2. Department of © The State of Victoria, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Melbourne. Sustainability and Environment, 2003 NRE (1998) Central Highlands Forest Management Plan. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Published by the Department of Sustainability and Melbourne. Environment, Victoria. 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Australia NRE (1999) North East Proposed Forest Management Plan. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. This publication may be of assistance to you but the NRE (2000) Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria 2000: State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee a systematic list of vertebrate fauna considered extinct, that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is at risk of extinction, or in major decline in Victoria. wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and Department of Natural Resources and Environment, therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or Melbourne. other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. NRE (2001) Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (electronic fauna database). Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Heidelberg. ISSN 1448-9902 Parnaby, H. (1995) Hollow arguments. Nature Australia 25 (1): 80.
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