Keywords
forest structure
landscape
nocturnal raptors
predators
presence-absence
Tropical Screech-Owl
Abstract
Owls are top predators poorly studied in the Neotropics. Their occurrences can be affected by forest structure and landscape features. We report Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba) and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) detections in relation to habitat characteristics in central Argentina. During the spring of 2019, we surveyed 250 ha of mountain forest, measured habitat characteristics in presences/absences sites, and estimated owls’ densities. M. choliba (0.16 individuals/ha) was positively associated with snag whereas G. brasilianum (0.05 individuals/ha) was positively associated with proportions of small trees. Our results suggest that these habitat characteristics might be important covariates when studying these two species.
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