Wildlife in the Klamath-Siskiyou
The Klamath Forest Alliance believes that the best way to protect wildlife, is to protect the habitat that they depend on. We recognize the importance of roadless areas and ancient forest groves, and work tirelessly to defend these important ecological reservoirs. The World Wildlife Fund recognizes this area as a biodiversity hot spot, and we agree, as we focus on protecting the species listed below, and many, many more.
Wolf:
Wolves once roamed the Klamath Mountains, but were expatriated from the area by trappers, settlers and loss of habitat. In 1995 and 1996, experimental populations of gray wolves were reintroduced into Central Idaho. The reintroduction proved successful and there are estimated to be 422 wolves and 27 breeding pairs in Idaho. Wolf populations are dispersing into Oregon and are expected to arrive in Northern California. Studies have established that there is sufficient habitat to support viable populations in N. California. Today, we are working to bring back these beautiful creatures by protecting habitat and by educating people about the realities and benefits of the return of the Gray wolf.
The Klamath Forest Alliance believes that the best way to protect wildlife, is to protect the habitat that they depend on. We recognize the importance of roadless areas and ancient forest groves, and work tirelessly to defend these important ecological reservoirs. The World Wildlife Fund recognizes this area as a biodiversity hot spot, and we agree, as we focus on protecting the species listed below, and many, many more.
Wolf:
Wolves once roamed the Klamath Mountains, but were expatriated from the area by trappers, settlers and loss of habitat. In 1995 and 1996, experimental populations of gray wolves were reintroduced into Central Idaho. The reintroduction proved successful and there are estimated to be 422 wolves and 27 breeding pairs in Idaho. Wolf populations are dispersing into Oregon and are expected to arrive in Northern California. Studies have established that there is sufficient habitat to support viable populations in N. California. Today, we are working to bring back these beautiful creatures by protecting habitat and by educating people about the realities and benefits of the return of the Gray wolf.
Pacific Fisher:
An elusive member of the weasel family, the Pacific Fisher can be found in the lower to mid elevation ranges of the Klamath Mountains. Fishers need large logs to den in, and over 70% canopy for cover, so logging and road building have decimated this species. In 2000, 15 conservation groups including the Klamath Forest Alliance, petitioned the US Fish & Wildlife Service for listing under the Endangered Species Act. They were deemed warranted for protection but precluded from listing because of limited monetary resources.
Spotted Owl:
The Northern Spotted Owl is a Threatened species and can be found in our region. Habitat loss, from logging and road building, has had a huge impact on owls, which led to the creation of the Northwest Forest Plan and critical habitat designations. KFA has litigated in favor of Critical Habitat and we continue to challenge logging in spotted owl habitat. We are waiting to comment on the Final Recovery Plan to ensure that the best available science is utilized and that the plan will assist in recovery of this keystone species.
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An elusive member of the weasel family, the Pacific Fisher can be found in the lower to mid elevation ranges of the Klamath Mountains. Fishers need large logs to den in, and over 70% canopy for cover, so logging and road building have decimated this species. In 2000, 15 conservation groups including the Klamath Forest Alliance, petitioned the US Fish & Wildlife Service for listing under the Endangered Species Act. They were deemed warranted for protection but precluded from listing because of limited monetary resources.
Spotted Owl:
The Northern Spotted Owl is a Threatened species and can be found in our region. Habitat loss, from logging and road building, has had a huge impact on owls, which led to the creation of the Northwest Forest Plan and critical habitat designations. KFA has litigated in favor of Critical Habitat and we continue to challenge logging in spotted owl habitat. We are waiting to comment on the Final Recovery Plan to ensure that the best available science is utilized and that the plan will assist in recovery of this keystone species.
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