Western Burrowing Owls Secure Temporary Protection as Endangered Species in California

The western burrowing owl is the only owl species that nests and roosts underground, but it has faced significant habitat loss in California.

Burrowing owls stare at the side of the track during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Nov. 13, 2015. Clive Mason/Getty Images

Western burrowing owls are closer to receiving permanent protection in California as the California Fish and Game Commission has voted to give the species “candidate” status for the state’s endangered species list.

The commission unanimously voted on Oct. 10 to consider the western burrowing owl an endangered species to be protected under state law, following a petition filed by several conservation groups in March.