Aruba honors pioneer of Shoco conservation

ORANJESTAD – Aruba Birdlife Conservation has paid tribute to David H. Johnson, founder of the Global Owl Project, who passed away on June 15 at the age of 69. Johnson was a world-renowned owl scientist and one of the driving forces behind Aruba's science-based Shoco conservation program.

Since 2017, Johnson worked closely with Aruba Birdlife Conservation to strengthen research and protection efforts for Aruba's national owl. His contributions included introducing artificial nesting burrows, leading the first scientific banding of a Shoco in Aruba, and helping develop a long-term conservation strategy based on scientific research.

Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2022, Johnson continued supporting the program by sharing his expertise and guidance. Aruba Birdlife Conservation expressed its deep gratitude for his legacy and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the work of protecting the Shoco for future generations.