They need large tracts of old growth forest to survive. As logging operations clearcut hillsides, the call of the Spotted Owls can't be heard by potential mates, so no babies are conceived. This is a huge controversy between loggers and environmentalists. It will make you think and cry, and not necessarily in that order. Taxol, from the Pacific Yew, is now being used to treat and help prevent breast cancer.
Trees are very cool.
We die without them. Look at the Mayans, Aztecs and the Cahokians of Missouri. They didn't plan the use of their natural resources very well and we are going down the same road. Interestingly enough, the Barred Owls are moving into the areas once occupied by the Spotted Owls, so go figure. Additional information on Owls is available on our Links page.