The Chaco owl (Strix chacoensis) (is a small owl from Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. It is currently classified as Near Threatened but continual population declines, and poor mitigation actions suggest that a reduction to a ‘Vulnerable’ status is expected (Birdlife International, 2020)

Conservation non-governmental organization Zoo and Wildlife Conservation is working with Fundacion Para la Tierra to establish a research programme in Paraguay’s dry Chaco to develop an understanding of the ecological and conservation needs of the species.

This project aims to start addressing the research needs identified for effective conservation planning for the species, these are population size, distribution and trends, life history and ecology and threats (Birdlife International, 2020).

Three field trips to the Central Chaco of Paraguay will be made each year in February, July and October) to allow for study of seasonal variation in range, habitat use, diet and breeding behaviour.

Populations will be estimated by undertaking mist netting. All individuals will be banded and morphological data recorded. GPS locations will be recorded and an assessment of the habitat at the netting location will be made. To investigate home ranges and habitat use, individuals will be tagged with remote download solar GPS TAGs. Diet will be investigated by locating nests and roosts and pellets will be collected and examined as described by (Santander,et al, 2012). Breeding and feeding behaviour will be monitored through the use of camera traps and, breeding success will be monitored.