The conservation of Leadbeater's Possum in southeastern Australia and the Northern Spotted Owl in the Pacific north-west of the USA; management issues, strategies and lessons

Abstract

Aspects of the conservation and management of the endangered species Leadbeater's Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri in southeastern Australia and the Northern Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis caurina in the Pacific north-west of the USA are similar in their nature and the intensity of public debate. Both species occur in temperate forests that are also used for intensive wood production. Due to historial factors and present forestry management regimes, a major conflict in land-use exists between the conservation of these animals and intensive timber harvesting in both geographic regions. The long-term persistence of Leadbeater's Possum and the Northern Spotted Owl will depend primarily on the protection and appropriate management of mature and old growth stands or attributes of such types of forest. The Interagency Spotted Owl Scientific Committee developed a set of guiding biological principles and used knowledge of the autecology and natural history of the species to formulate a management plan to help ensure the viability of populations of the Northern Spotted Owl beyond the next century. Unfortunately, the strategies currently proposed for the conservation of Leadbeater's Possum are unlikely to ensure its long-term persistence, and, therefore, the Victorian Government's position on this matter is inconsistent with its undertakings in the new National Forest Policy. We discuss the application of the approach and strategies proposed by the Interagency Committee to the conservation of Leadbeater's Possum. Attempts to manage the Northern Spotted Owl and Leadbeater's Possum will reflect the ability of governments to pursue truly ecologically sustainable development and resource use.