Arresting the spread of invasive species in continental systems

Abstract

Invasive species are a primary threat to biodiversity and are challenging to manage once populations become established in previously unoccupied areas. But removing them is further complicated when invasions occur in continental, mixed‐ownership systems. We demonstrate a rare conservation success: the regional‐scale removal of an invasive predator – the barred owl (Strix varia) – to benefit the spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) in California. Barred owl site occupancy declined sixfold, from 0.19 to 0.03, following 1 year of removals, and site extinction (0.92) far exceeded colonization (0.02). Spotted owls recolonized 56% of formerly occupied territories within 1 year, contrasting starkly with removals conducted after barred owls achieved high densities in the Pacific Northwest. Our study therefore averted the otherwise likely extirpation of California spotted owls (Strix occidentalis occidentalis) by barred owl competition. Collectively, leveraging technological advances in population monitoring, early intervention, targeting defensible biogeographic areas, and fostering public–private partnerships will reduce invasive species‐driven extinction of native fauna in continental systems.