Ecology and Conservation of Blakiston’s Fish Owl in Russia

Abstract

In Russia, conservation of endangered Blakiston’s fish owl Bubo blakistoni faces challenges. Human disturbance has led to a decline of key resources such as suitably large trees (to nest in) and fish-rich rivers (in which to hunt). Here, we outline the history of research of both the island subspecies B. b. blakistoni and the mainland subspecies B. b. doerriesi. We also describe aspects of their ecology (e.g., breeding, nesting, hunting, vocalizations), outline conservation actions taken to date (e.g., nest boxes, supplemental feedings, road closures), and discuss measures needed to ensure species survival in the future.