Owls have always held a special place in our imagination, and if you’ve spent any time exploring the outdoors in New Mexico, you’ve probably heard their unmistakable calls echoing through the night. With their silent flight and sharp eyes, these fascinating birds have adapted perfectly to the state’s diverse landscapes—from high mountain forests to arid deserts.
New Mexico is home to an impressive variety of owls, including well-known species like the Great Horned Owl and the tiny Elf Owl, each with its own unique behaviors and habitat preferences. Yet, despite their presence around us, spotting one isn’t always easy. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of New Mexico’s owls, exploring how they live, where they’re found, and why these elusive creatures are so important to our ecosystem.
Whether you’re an experienced bird watcher or just curious about your nighttime neighbors, there’s plenty to discover about these remarkable birds.
1. Great Horned Owl
- Scientific name: Bubo virginianus
- Life span: 25 – 50 years
- Size: 43 to 64 cm (17 to 25 in)
- Weight: 1200 to 1600 g (2.64 to 3.52 lbs)
- Wingspan: 91 to 153 cm (3ft 0in to 5ft 0in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; stays year-round.
The Great Horned Owl is among the most widely distributed owls across New Mexico, frequently encountered from high mountain forests down to the desert valleys. Easily recognized by large ear tufts resembling horns, these owls display an intricate pattern of mottled brown, gray, and cream feathers across their bodies.
Their deep, golden-yellow eyes have an intense gaze, adding to their formidable appearance. They comfortably inhabit a variety of environments throughout the state, adapting effortlessly to both wild landscapes and urban settings alike.
Great Horned Owls choose a variety of nesting sites, often taking over existing nests from hawks, crows, or herons, or selecting tree cavities and cliff edges. Nesting typically starts early in the year, even in cold weather. Females diligently incubate two to three eggs, while males provide food and protection. Both parents fiercely defend their nests, making loud calls to deter intruders and ensure their offspring’s safety, highlighting their protective nature.
Their diet includes a wide range of prey, showcasing their adaptability as hunters. Primarily nocturnal, they catch mammals such as rabbits, rodents, and even skunks, but also prey on birds and reptiles. This diverse diet helps them thrive across varied habitats throughout New Mexico.
Conservation efforts for the Great Horned Owl have been minimal due to their stable and widespread population. Historically resilient to human activities, these owls have adapted well to urbanization. Ongoing efforts emphasize protecting natural habitats and maintaining balanced ecosystems to sustain their healthy populations.
2. American Barn Owl
- Scientific name: Tyto furcata
- Life span: 10 years
- Size: 34 to 38 cm (13 to 15 in)
- Weight: 400 to 600 g (0.88 to 1.3 lbs)
- Wingspan: 100-125 cm (39-49 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Staying year-round.
The American Barn Owl resides across much of New Mexico, often dwelling close to farms, ranches, or rural settlements. Its pale, ghostly appearance makes it instantly distinguishable from other owl species.
A heart-shaped facial disk colored pale white frames its small, dark eyes. Its body showcases shades ranging from creamy-white on the underside to golden-brown and gray patterns along the back and wings. These owls’ silent, graceful flight often lends them a mysterious presence in fields or around barns at dusk.
Barn Owls often nest in quiet, sheltered locations such as barns, old buildings, or tree hollows. Unlike most owls, they don’t construct nests but instead lay eggs directly onto the chosen surfaces. Females typically lay four to seven eggs, with males supplying food to the family. Their nesting sites are often influenced by human settlements, making them familiar neighbours in rural areas.
These nocturnal hunters primarily target rodents, notably mice and rats, efficiently hunting them down thanks to their exceptional hearing. By controlling rodent populations, Barn Owls provide a significant ecological benefit to agricultural communities across New Mexico, where they are frequently observed silently gliding over fields at night.
While generally widespread, Barn Owls face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and vehicle collisions. Conservation strategies include installing nest boxes, maintaining open habitats, and reducing pesticide usage. These actions help sustain their numbers, ensuring they remain an essential part of New Mexico’s natural pest control strategy.
3. Short-eared Owl
- Scientific name: Asio flammeus
- Life span: 12 years
- Size: 34 to 43 cm (13 to 17 in)
- Weight: 206 to 475 g (7.3 to 16.8 oz)
- Wingspan: 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by early spring.
Short-eared Owls inhabit open terrains, particularly the grasslands and marshes of eastern and southern New Mexico during the cooler months. Unlike other owls, their ear tufts are extremely small, barely visible, giving their rounded heads a smoother profile.
Their plumage is predominantly a warm, tawny-brown, streaked heavily with darker stripes. Strikingly large yellow eyes contrast their faces, surrounded by distinct pale facial disks. When airborne, their wings reveal noticeable black tips, providing an easy clue for identification in the field.
Short-eared Owls nest directly on the ground within grasslands and marshes, carefully concealing their nests among grasses. Typically laying four to seven eggs, both parents actively feed and guard their young. Their ground-level nests, however, expose them to predators and human disturbances, highlighting the importance of protecting nesting areas.
These owls feed primarily on small mammals like voles, along with occasional birds and insects. They hunt actively during twilight hours, gliding low over open fields to detect prey movements. Their diet directly influences their preference for open landscapes, which provide ample hunting opportunities during dawn and dusk.
In New Mexico, Short-eared Owls have experienced declines primarily from habitat loss and degradation due to agriculture and urban development. Conservation efforts aim to protect and manage grassland habitats, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and raise awareness about their vulnerability to disturbance.
4. Long-eared Owl
- Scientific name: Asio otus
- Life span: 10 to 27 years
- Size: 31 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)
- Weight: 160 to 435 g (5.6 to 15.3 oz)
- Wingspan: 86 to 102 cm (2ft 10in to 3ft 4in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late winter.
The Long-eared Owl occupies dense thickets and wooded areas throughout New Mexico during migration and winter. Its remarkable appearance includes prominent, elongated ear tufts resembling tall, thin horns. The feathers of this owl blend browns, grays, and rusty-orange shades, intricately marked with vertical streaks along the chest and horizontal barring on the wings.
Its orange facial disk surrounding striking yellow-orange eyes gives it a thoughtful, attentive expression. Though frequently hidden during daylight, they become more active and noticeable during twilight hours.
Long-eared Owls favour dense thickets, often within coniferous forests, where they construct their nests in abandoned stick structures carefully made by other birds. Their devotion to camouflage is remarkable, blending seamlessly among branches as they nurture their clutch of eggs.
During incubation, females remain perched for lengthy periods, protected by the male’s vigilant presence. After hatching, the young develop quickly, eventually leaving the nest to roost collectively in nearby foliage.
Long-eared Owls predominantly feed on small mammals, favouring voles, mice, and young rabbits. Under cover of darkness, they glide silently across open fields, detecting movement with keen hearing. When rodents become scarce, these adaptable hunters may consume small birds, insects, or even bats.
Their efficient digestive system regurgitates compact pellets containing undigested bones and fur. This reliance on abundant prey links their seasonal movements to areas with higher rodent populations.
Historically, Long-eared Owls thrived across diverse North American landscapes, their nature contributing to undercounting in scientific surveys. Though not globally threatened, regional populations face challenges from habitat loss and agricultural pressures. Conservationists advocate preserving wooded areas and limiting pesticide use to sustain vital prey species. Community-based monitoring programs help gauge population trends, ensuring management.
5. Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Scientific name: Aegolius acadicus
- Life span: 7 to 17 years
- Size: 17 to 22 cm (6.7 to 8.7 in)
- Weight: 54 to 151 g (1.9 to 5.3 oz)
- Wingspan: 42 to 56.3 cm (16.5 to 22.2 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by early spring.
Found primarily in mountainous woodlands of northern and central New Mexico, the Northern Saw-whet Owl remains elusive and rarely seen. This compact owl features a distinctly rounded head, lacking ear tufts, and large, expressive yellow eyes that provide a curious and innocent appearance.
Its plumage is characterized by a soft mixture of browns, whites, and rusty tones, streaked finely on the chest and spotted clearly on the back and wings. Often hidden, it prefers dense vegetation, making encounters challenging yet rewarding.
Northern Saw-whet Owls prefer nesting in tree cavities, often those excavated by woodpeckers. They readily accept nest boxes as well. Females lay between four to seven eggs and handle incubation duties, while males supply food. Their secretive nature and preference for dense forests make their nests challenging to locate.
Their diet primarily includes small mammals, especially deer mice, but they also consume insects and small birds. Hunting predominantly at night, they rely on their keen hearing and vision to detect prey, often capturing it on the forest floor.
Northern Saw-whet Owls are not currently considered threatened, but habitat loss poses potential risks. Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forest habitats and promoting the installation of nest boxes to support their breeding populations in New Mexico.
6. Burrowing Owl
- Scientific name: Athene cunicularia
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Size: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
- Weight: 5.3-8.5 oz (150-240 g)
- Wingspan: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by October; returns in March.
Burrowing Owls populate New Mexico’s arid grasslands and desert flats, favouring wide-open spaces with minimal vegetation. Distinctly different from tree-dwelling owls, they nest underground, often observed standing watchfully atop small mounds or fence posts during daylight. Their appearance is charming and alert, showcasing sandy-brown feathers adorned with white spots on their backs, wings, and heads. Their faces display prominent white eyebrows, accentuating their wide yellow eyes and creating a look of perpetual curiosity as they gaze across their surroundings.
Burrowing Owls make their homes underground, often taking over vacated prairie dog or ground squirrel tunnels in open grasslands. They exhibit resourcefulness by expanding existing burrows and lining their chambers with dried dung, helping mask their scent from predators. Females lay several eggs and closely brood them, while males stand guard outside. The young eventually emerge, practicing short flights near the entrance before exploring their surroundings under watchful parental eyes.
While small rodents form the core of the Burrowing Owl’s diet, these opportunistic feeders consume insects, lizards, and even small birds when available. They often hunt by perching near burrow entrances or hovering over open fields before diving onto prey. Their activity patterns shift with prey availability, sometimes hunting during daylight hours. Efficient digestion leads to the production of pellets containing indigestible parts, which help researchers analyze their eating habits.
Historically abundant on prairies and deserts, Burrowing Owls experienced population declines due to habitat destruction and agricultural expansion. Conservationists highlight the importance of preserving grasslands and discouraging widespread rodent control, which limits suitable burrow creators.
Protection measures include constructing artificial nesting sites and implementing education programs about coexisting with these charismatic owls. Collaborative research monitors migratory movements, while citizen science data support ongoing initiatives aimed at safeguarding this underground-dwelling species.
7. Spotted Owl
- Scientific name: Strix occidentalis
- Life span: 10 – 15 years
- Size: 43 cm (17 in)
- Weight: 500-700 g (17.6-24.7 oz)
- Wingspan: 114 cm (45 in)
- Status: Near threatened
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; stays year-round.
The Spotted Owl, notably the Mexican subspecies, occupies mature forests in mountainous regions of western and central New Mexico, particularly favouring deep, secluded canyons and dense wooded slopes. Their plumage is beautifully patterned, featuring rich chocolate-brown feathers densely marked with distinct white spots and subtle barring.
Unlike other owls, they possess a particularly round head without visible ear tufts. Large, dark eyes peer solemnly from an equally dark facial disk, lending them a gentle, somewhat reflective appearance whenever observed perched silently in the shadows.
Spotted Owls often choose mature forests with dense canopy cover, placing nests in large tree cavities or on abandoned raptor platforms. They prefer cool, shady environs that stabilize temperature and moisture for their developing brood. The female typically lays a small clutch, devoting most of her time to incubation while the male secures food. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for weeks, honing their flight skills upon fledging.
Spotted Owls primarily hunt small to medium-sized mammals, particularly flying squirrels and woodrats, though they also catch birds, reptiles, or insects. Often using perch-and-pounce tactics under low light, they silently swoop onto unsuspecting prey.
Their keen eyesight and sensitive hearing enable accurate strikes within dense forest understory. Prey bones, fur, or feathers are expelled as pellets. This specialized diet and hunting strategy reflect their preference for old-growth or mature habitats.
Spotted Owls have symbolized old-growth forest conservation throughout western North America. Ongoing habitat loss due to logging and urban expansion, combined with competition from Barred Owls, threatens some regional populations. Legislative measures, such as protected reserves and logging restrictions, aim to preserve nesting and foraging sites.
Biologists track breeding pairs, gather data on roost sites, and promote responsible land management practices. Community engagement fosters support for safeguarding these woodland residents.
8. Flammulated Owl
- Scientific name: Psiloscops flammeolus
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Size: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-2.2 oz (31-62 g)
- Wingspan: 14-17 inches (36-43 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by October; returns in May.
The Flammulated Owl inhabits high-altitude coniferous forests throughout New Mexico during warmer months. Highly migratory, it departs each autumn to winter farther south. This owl has a unique appearance, marked by delicate feather patterns blending gray, brown, rust, and subtle touches of white, effectively camouflaging it against tree bark.
The facial disk appears soft gray with dark eyes, unlike the bright yellow eyes typical of many other owl species, giving it an understated yet intriguing expression while remaining hidden among pine branches.
Flammulated Owls favour mature pine forests with ample cavities for nesting, often occupying abandoned woodpecker holes. Their small bodies and cryptic coloration help them blend among branches, hidden from potential predators. During breeding season, males call with low, repetitive hoots to attract mates. Once paired, the female lays a modest clutch of eggs and diligently incubates them. The chicks, once hatched, fledge swiftly, honing flight skills beneath watchful parental guidance.
Flammulated Owls mainly consume insects, particularly moths and beetles, capturing them in midair with swift, agile maneuver. They typically hunt at night, using acute hearing and sharp vision to locate prey. During cooler months, they may target small vertebrates or other invertebrates to supplement their menu. By controlling insect populations, they play a subtle but valuable ecological role. Silent flight aids their stealth, allowing precise strikes against unsuspecting winged meals.
Historically overlooked due to their elusive habits and faint calls, Flammulated Owls have garnered increased attention through targeted listening surveys. Though not critically endangered, they rely on mature forest stands for roosting and nesting. Logging, wildfires, and climate shifts pose challenges. Conservationists support responsible forestry to maintain older trees and cavities. Research programs track migration routes, helping identify crucial migration stopovers. Public education encourages stewardship of these understated nocturnal birds.
9. Elf Owl
- Scientific name: Micrathene whitneyi
- Life span: Up to 3 years
- Size: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- Weight: 1.4 ounces (40 grams)
- Wingspan: 9 inches (23 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by October; returns in April.
The Elf Owl claims the title of the smallest owl species inhabiting New Mexico, breeding in the state’s warm, arid southwestern deserts, often near cactus forests and riparian woodlands. They migrate southward during winter months. Their petite stature contrasts their lively personality, visible in their energetic movements and alert posture.
Plumage coloration is predominantly sandy-gray and brown, speckled with subtle white markings. Rounded heads without ear tufts frame their relatively large yellow eyes, creating an endearing and inquisitive look as they peer curiously from sheltered perches.
Elf Owls, the smallest owls in North America, typically nest in abandoned woodpecker cavities found in saguaro cacti or deciduous trees. Their petite frames allow them to squeeze into cramped spaces, offering protection from predators.
The female lays a few eggs, relying on the male to supply insects and small vertebrates. After hatching, the chicks remain hidden within the cavity until they develop rudimentary flight, cautiously venturing out at twilight.
Elf Owls feast mainly on insects, snatching moths, beetles, and crickets during swift nocturnal flights. They perch quietly before darting out to seize prey midair or from foliage. This agile approach reflects their nimble anatomy, enabling quick manoeuvring.
When insects are scarce, they may eat small reptiles or rodents. Their digestive process produces pellets of indigestible remnants. In desert regions, such efficient foraging practices help them endure fluctuating food supplies.
Although once abundant in desert regions, Elf Owls have faced declines linked to habitat loss, particularly where saguaro stands and riparian woodlands have been disturbed. Local ordinances now protect saguaros, while reforestation projects bolster other nesting sites.
Researchers track their population trends through roadside surveys at dusk, identifying breeding pairs by their distinctive calls. Public education underscores responsible water use and desert preservation. By maintaining healthy cactus forests, communities safeguard these pint-sized nocturnal hunters.
10. Northern Pygmy Owl
- Scientific name: Glaucidium gnoma
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Size: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
- Weight: 2.1-2.5 oz (60-70 g)
- Wingspan: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; stays year-round.
Found predominantly in the mountainous forests of New Mexico, the Northern Pygmy-Owl thrives in dense, evergreen habitats. These diminutive owls have short tails and rounded heads without obvious ear tufts, contributing to their compact, robust profile.
Their plumage displays shades of reddish-brown to grayish-brown, heavily streaked and spotted with white, giving an appealing yet formidable appearance. Large yellow eyes dominate their small faces, providing an intense, almost stern look, as they quietly watch from concealed perches among dense branches.
Northern Pygmy-Owls prefer nesting in tree cavities within mixed or coniferous forests, often at mid-elevations. They use old woodpecker holes, adding minimal nesting material. Despite their tiny stature, they defend their territory fiercely, announcing ownership with high-pitched toots. The female lays a small clutch of eggs and dedicates herself to incubation, while the male delivers food. Once hatched, the nestlings grow rapidly, preparing for short flights within a few weeks.
Northern Pygmy-Owls may be small, but they pursue prey with bold determination. Their diet includes small mammals like mice and voles, as well as birds nearly their own size. They often ambush victims from concealed perches at dawn or dusk, using swift, surprise attacks. Occasionally, insects or reptiles supplement their menu. By storing extra prey in tree crevices, these feisty owls ensure a food supply during unpredictable weather or scarcity.
Northern Pygmy-Owls are not globally threatened, though fragmentation of mature forests and modern logging can diminish their breeding habitats. Historically, their quiet presence caused them to be underreported, prompting specialized surveys. Biologists emphasize preserving snag-filled stands where cavities form naturally.
Citizen science efforts have grown, encouraging volunteers to document dawn and dusk calls. As awareness increases, landowners protect essential nesting structures, fostering positive outcomes for these energetic and diminutive hunters.
11. Western Screech Owl
- Scientific name: Megascops kennicottii
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Size: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
- Weight: 4.3-8.6 oz (122-244 g)
- Wingspan: 18-24 inches (46-61 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; stays year-round.
The Western Screech-Owl is widely distributed throughout New Mexico, especially within wooded areas, parks, and suburban environments across lower elevations. Despite their name, their call sounds more like soft whistles rather than a harsh screech. These owls exhibit intricately patterned grayish-brown plumage, superbly camouflaged to blend into tree bark.
Subtle ear tufts give them a slightly horned look, and their large yellow eyes and distinctly lined facial disks create an expressive appearance, making them a captivating sight when spotted in urban backyards.
Western Screech-Owls typically nest in tree cavities near water sources, although they have been known to adapt to backyard nest boxes. They use existing hollows carved by woodpeckers or natural decay, lining the interior with fine materials. Males often deliver food gifts to females before egg laying begins, establishing a bond. The female incubates the eggs, relying on the male for sustenance. Chicks fledge quickly, strengthening their flight abilities nightly.
Western Screech-Owls are versatile hunters, targeting a diverse menu that includes rodents, small birds, reptiles, and large insects. They often perch silently at dusk, waiting for prey to cross their path before swooping in for a swift attack. When hunting over water, they may snatch aquatic creatures near the surface. This adaptability ensures survival in various habitats, from suburban yards to remote woodlands, contributing to their stable population across regions.
Historically common throughout western North America, Western Screech-Owls maintain robust numbers despite urban sprawl. Conservation efforts focus on preserving riparian woodlands and encouraging people to retain standing dead trees for nesting cavities. Many local programs provide nest box instructions, boosting breeding success in suburban neighbourhoods. Although not globally threatened, habitat fragmentation and pesticide use pose ongoing concerns.
12. Boreal Owl
- Scientific name: Aegolius funereus
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Size: 8-10 inches (22-27 cm)
- Weight: 3.5-7.5 oz (100-210 g)
- Wingspan: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; stays year-round.
Boreal Owls maintain a limited and specialized presence in New Mexico, confined primarily to high-elevation spruce-fir forests in the northern mountains. Highly secretive, they remain seldom encountered. Their appearance features a rounded head with no obvious ear tufts and strikingly large, yellow eyes surrounded by bold white eyebrows.
Plumage is predominantly dark chocolate-brown to gray, highlighted by white spotting on the back and wings, with finely streaked whitish-gray underparts. Their discrete lifestyle and secluded habitats make observations rare but highly valued by birdwatchers.
Boreal Owls favour cold, subalpine forests with abundant conifers and aspens, where natural cavities or old woodpecker holes serve as nesting sites. They line these chambers sparingly with wood chips or feathers.
Because of harsh climates, timing is crucial, and they breed when prey is plentiful. The female handles most incubation duties, depending on the male for regular meals. Chicks emerge weeks later, learning to navigate shadowy woods with caution.
Boreal Owls primarily pursue small mammals, particularly voles and mice, but will also take shrews, insects, and small birds. They rely on exceptional hearing to detect scurrying prey beneath snow or leaf litter, striking with swift dives.
An efficient predator, it caches extra kills in tree hollows to sustain itself during lean times. By night, silent flight enhances their success rate, showcasing adaptations to frigid climates and variable food supplies.
Boreal Owls occupy broad northern ranges, with populations fluctuating alongside rodent cycles. Historically, they remained poorly documented due to remote habitats and nocturnal habits. Modern research employs nest box programs and acoustic surveys, revealing breeding patterns and distribution.
Though not endangered, climate change threatens critical and delicate habitat stability. Conservation strategies emphasize preserving old-growth stands and snags while managing forestry practices, ensuring these mysterious owls endure far into the future.
Where to look for Owls in New Mexico
If you’re hoping to spot owls in New Mexico, you’re in luck—this state has plenty of places where these fascinating birds thrive. The trick to finding owls is to visit habitats they love, like dense forests, desert canyons, or open grasslands, especially around sunrise or sunset when they’re most active. Move quietly, pause often, and listen carefully. Their distinctive calls will often guide you right to them.
Here are four great areas to start your owl adventure:
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Located south of Socorro, this refuge offers rich habitats perfect for spotting Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, and even the tiny Western Screech Owl.
- Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque: Hiking trails like Embudito or Elena Gallegos offer forested slopes ideal for hearing and seeing owls such as Northern Pygmy Owls or Flammulated Owls.
- Gila National Forest: This vast wilderness is home to the rare Mexican Spotted Owl. Walk quietly along trails near streams and canyons at dusk to increase your chances of an encounter.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Surprisingly, the park’s desert landscape supports owls like Burrowing Owls, often visible perched on fence posts or low shrubs during early mornings or evenings.
Conclusion
From the stealthy presence of Northern Pygmy-Owls in high-elevation conifers to the desert-dwelling Elf Owls sheltering among saguaros, New Mexico’s owls symbolize enduring beauty and ecological significance. As guardians of rodent populations, they uphold critical balances within southwestern habitats.
Continued research, responsible land management, and community-based stewardship initiatives ensure these wise hunters persevere. Whether hooting softly at dusk or mesmerizing us with silent flights, owls remain living beacons of the state’s rich and inspiring biodiversity.
