Floreana Island re-colonization potential of the Galápagos short-eared owl ( Asio flammeus galapagoensis )

摘要: Non-native invasive species threaten Galapagos’ endemic biodiversity, and increasing efforts are underway to protect its from further harm. One such project is focused on the eradication of rodents using rodenticide bait Floreana, archipelago’s sixth largest island. Short-eared owls (Asio flammeus galapagoensis) that consume poisoned will, therefore, be at risk secondary poisoning. If negatively impacted, it not known what degree Floreana Island short-earned owl population isolated, whether potential re-colonization exists closest neighboring large Santa Cruz. Based eight microsatellite loci mtDNA control region sequence data museum contemporary samples, short-eared populations Cruz isolated each other. However, gene flow asymmetric in opposite direction. Morphometric data, including tarsus bill size, behavioral observations corroborate genetic results suggest may possess unique traits compared populations. For example, more crepuscular than islands, which predominately nocturnal, were also non-responsive inter-island call back recordings. Therefore, these have important management implications concerning persistence following application. We recommend managers implement additional precautions until poisoning has passed as maintaining individuals captivity. This study provides no evidence likely disperse Floreana’s if local impacted by exposure, observed morphological argue against translocating between islands.