Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXIII, Issue 2
Written by Cosmin Alexandru MIHAI, Florin STĂNICĂ
Long-eared Owls (Asio otus L.) are very important in the ecosystem because they control rodent populations that especially in anthropogenic ecosystems are very often harmful. In this context, the study of the ecology and ethology of this night raptor species in anthropogenic habitats is an important task. The present paper includes observations made in winter agglomerations (roost) of Long-eared Owl in two horticultural ecosystems: a periurban private garden in Ilfov County and an urban green space, between apartment buildings in Bucharest. Birds pellets were analysed in order to determine the pray composition. The Long-eared Owls feeding were significantly influenced by the horticultural ecosystem. In the pellets collected from the green space in Bucharest, 94% were rodents, the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) being predominant, by 59%, then the House Mouse (Mus musculus) by 32%, both species being considered as pests. In the pellets collected from Ilfov County, the House Mouse (Mus musculus) has the largest share, by 58%, followed by the Brown Rat by 30%. Useful information regarding the favourite prey of this night predator.
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