Habitat preferences of a declining population of the little owl, Athene noctua in Central Poland.

摘要: The number of little owls, Athene noctua is decreasing in many European countries. In order to evaluate causes the decline Poland, habitat preferences this species were analysed. Using GIS methods, 25 settled territories owl, recorded during field surveys between 2000 and 2005, compared with 50 unsettled locations. It was found that proportion built-up areas higher occupied than random No differences grassland, forest proportion, diversity edge length occupied, amount built up appeared be best predictor occurrence owl. Next, use at 7 additional territories, which by owls 1980-90s later abandoned, 2006, as period 1980-90, numbers pollard willows decreased, whereas buildings increased these territories. overall results lead a conclusion owl shows high degree plasticity. decrease area grasslands not likely explain population species.