The burrowing owl is one of only 11 species of birds identified for joint protection by an international environmental agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is listed as endangered in Canada and threatened in Mexico. In the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently classifies the burrowing owl as a Species of Management Concern and has initiated a formal review of its population status. The importance of south Texas to burrowing owls was not formerly known because the owls disperse widely over this large region of Texas, and they inhabit highly altered or disturbed habitats normally not considered good wildlife habitat. South Texas historically featured coastal prairie and native brush, but with the conversion of much of this region to agriculture, native grasslands containing animal burrows have also been lost.
Vehicles pose a serious threat for burrowing owls roosting along roads.
The use of culverts, instead of natural burrows, appears to be an adaptation to a drastically changed landscape and has presented wildlife managers in south Texas with an unusual challenge. Reversing the decline in burrowing owl populations is a long-term goal for this research team. Developing educational materials and partnering with local news media to improve public awareness of this species. Constructing artificial burrows made from industrial drain pipe, placed away from roads, then monitored over several winters. Identifying individual burrowing owls in south Texas and tracking their movements during the winter period by fitting the owls with leg bands and radio transmitters.