Critical habitat for the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida).

Critical Habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) A July 21 proposal would designate nearly 13.5 million acres (5.5 million ha) in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah as critical habitat for a threatened bird, the Mexican spotted owl. Approximately 90 percent of the proposed acreage is federally managed land and the other 10 percent is comprised of Tribal land. No private or state lands were included in the proposal. Within these broad boundaries, however, we will require ESA consultation only in those areas that contain suitable habitat for the owl; towns and other developed areas would not be considered critical habitat.