Final answer:
The author explains the importance of burrowing owls by illustrating their role in the ecosystem and the broader conservation concerns for bird species, including the unique genetic contributions of localized populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author helps the reader understand why burrowing owls are a species of special concern by highlighting the interdependent nature of ecosystems. For example, prairie dogs create underground burrows that provide shelter for burrowing owls and other species, offering protection from predators. This contribution to the ecosystem underscores the importance of species like the burrowing owl. Additionally, discussing the threatened status of birds worldwide, with some 1,200 species facing extinction due to human actions, the text further emphasizes the critical state of these animals. The author also posits that unique populations, such as a local status in a particular state, county, or municipality, can harbor unique alleles contributing to genetic diversity, thereby justifying conservation efforts for burrowing owls and similar species of concern.