Restoration Potential: Strong fidelity to nest and roost sites
inhibits colonization of formerly occupied habitat (Meyer and
Collopy 1996). Limited attempts to reintroduce this species to
presently unoccupied former range have failed (Meyer 1990).
Given the species' biology (e.g., strongly social, delayed
breeding, mobile), reintroduction could be difficult, at best
(Meyer 1995). Preserve Selection and Design Considerations:
Suitable nesting habitat requires appropriate nest and roost
sites within a landscape that provides sufficient prey for
successful reproduction. Habitat mosaics with various plant
communities such as forests, prairies, and wetlands of various
sizes, are essential. Minimum area requirements are difficult to
define; where breeding habitat quality is good and prey is
abundant and concentrated, 30 square kilometers may be
sufficient, but where habitat quality is less suitable and prey
is more diffuse, 100-300 square kilometers may be necessary
(Meyer and Collopy 1995). Management Requirements