The great gray owl, known as the phantom of the North, is often believed to be a sentinel of the Alaska wilderness, residing far from human populations in snow-laden forests. However, a recent study conducted by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers challenges this notion, revealing that these iconic birds actually congregate in more populated areas near human-made structures. Professor Falk Huettmann and his team utilized artificial intelligence modeling, citizen science-sourced data, and a supercomputing platform to identify the most suitable habitats for the great gray owl. This study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of where these owls live and in what types of environments.
The lack of scientific data surrounding the great gray owl has contributed to the myth that they are elusive and mysterious creatures. Their Latin name, Strix nebulosa, alludes to an association with witchcraft, with “Strix” meaning to utter shrill sounds and “nebulosa” meaning misty or fog. The utilization of computer modeling in this study offers a more accurate representation of the species-habitat associations for the great gray owl, challenging traditional narratives and myths that have been perpetuated about wildlife. The research, funded by an Oracle computing grant, has the potential to be applied to modeling other animal populations that remain unquantified or unknown.
The computer modeling system utilized in this study, which required significant computing power, has the potential to revolutionize how researchers predict species-habitat associations in the future. This marks the first time a machine-learning algorithm such as Random Forest has been used to make inferences about the habitat preferences of the great gray owl. Data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and other sources were essential in training the computer model, revealing that the owls live across central Alaska and Canada as well as in parts of the northwestern and central Lower 48. Outside of North America, the great gray owl can be found in regions such as Siberia, the Russian Far East, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Manchuria, and northeastern China.
The study conducted by Huettmann and his team has significant implications for understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of the great gray owl. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the owls’ preferences for pristine wilderness away from human populations, demonstrating that they are more adaptable and can be found near human-made structures. By incorporating artificial intelligence modeling, citizen science-sourced data, and a supercomputing platform, researchers were able to create a more holistic representation of the owls’ habitats. This study serves as a groundbreaking example of how technology and data-driven research can provide new insights into the behavior and ecology of wildlife species.
Overall, the research on the great gray owl conducted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides valuable insights into the distribution and habitat preferences of this iconic species. By challenging traditional narratives and myths surrounding the owls, the study opens up new avenues for understanding their behavior and ecology in more detail. The use of artificial intelligence modeling and citizen science data demonstrates the potential for technology to revolutionize wildlife research, offering researchers new tools for predicting species-habitat associations and informing conservation efforts. This study serves as a testament to the power of data-driven research in expanding our knowledge of the natural world and challenging our preconceived notions about wildlife.
