| Ownership |
US Department of Defense, 377 ABW/
EMQ, 2050 Wyoming Blvd. SE, Suite 119, Kirtland AFB, NM, 87117-5270, 505-846-6857 |
| Habitats |
Scrubland (arid montane), Grassland |
| Land-use |
Military installation |
| Threats |
Urbanization, Disturbance to birds |
| Site Criteria |
State single species concentration (D4i) |
| Site Description |
Kirtland AFB is located near
Albuquerque and is part of the Air Force Materiel Command. Its current mission
is research and development. Land holdings include desert grasslands and
foothills and canyons of the Manzano Mountains. Natural water sources are
limited to five springs. Resource management coordination with military
operations has resulted in excellent wildlife habitat. The military mission
precludes access to most of the facility. |
| Birds |
Kirtland AFB borders the city of Albuquerque which
is undergoing a vast growth and expansion into undeveloped areas which were
habitat for the burrowing owls. The population of the burrowing owl is
decreasing along with the prairie dogs. Kirtland has vast unimproved areas where
the owls live along with the prairie dogs. As habitat in the area is destroyed,
more and more of the owls are migrating to Kirtland AFB. |
| Conservation Issues |
Rapid growth of the city of Albuquerque into habitat
for the burrowing owls. |
| Conservation Plan |
|
| Monitor(s) |
None assigned |
| Nominator |
Bob Dow, KAFB |
| Sources |
Burrowing Owls on Kirtland Air Force Base
Reproductive Success, Site Fidelity, Disturbance, and Vegetation, 1999 Report (KAFB) |
| Links |
Kirtland Air
Force Base |
| Directions |
Military installation. Closed to the public. |
