Center For Biological Diversity: Safeguards Coming for California Spotted Owls

We’re celebrating a big victory in a decades-long battle for California spotted owls. Thanks to a 2025 lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity and allies — and following 26 years of petitions and other litigation for the species — a federal judge has ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to finalize Endangered Species Act protection for the owls by April 30. Like their famous cousins in the Pacific Northwest, California spotted owls only live in mature and old-growth forests. The Center’s Endangered Species Codirector Noah Greenwald stated, “Since we first petitioned for their protection more than a quarter century ago, the threats to these beautiful and curious owls have only mounted.” Learn MORE.