| Autor: |
Zoltan Domahidi, Julia Shonfield, Scott E. Nielsen, John R. Spence, Erin M. Bayne |
| Jazyk: |
angličtina |
| Rok vydání: |
2019 |
| Předmět: |
|
| Zdroj: |
Avian Conservation and Ecology, Vol 14, Iss 2, p 14 (2019) |
| Druh dokumentu: |
article |
| ISSN: |
1712-6568 |
| Popis: |
Understanding what factors influence the occurrence and distribution across the landscape is necessary for species conservation and management. Distribution data for many owl species are inadequate because of their nocturnal behavior and cryptic nature. We examined the role of climate, land cover, and human disturbance in shaping spatial distribution of the Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) and Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) in northern Alberta. Using autonomous recording units, we conducted passive acoustic surveys to detect owls of both species throughout Alberta's boreal forest. We compiled data on environmental variables at each sample site corresponding to a local scale and at landscape scale. A boosted regression tree analysis identified average minimum winter temperature as the most important predictor of Boreal Owl distribution. Boreal Owls were more likely to be present in cool environments with cold winters, and a low percentage of grassland cover at the landscape scale. Cropland cover at the local scale was the most influential factor in the final distribution model for the Northern Saw-whet Owl, and they were more likely to be present in areas where cropland was interspersed with deciduous-dominated forests. Furthermore, these areas generally had cool summer temperatures and received less precipitation as snow. Linear features at the landscape scale negatively influenced distribution of Boreal Owls, but edges created by linear features at local scale positively influenced Northern Saw-whet Owl distribution. Our study provides new information about habitat use that can be applied in management and conservation of these two poorly studied species of owls. |
| Databáze: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
| Externí odkaz: |
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