Variation in diet of Tawny Owl Strix aluco L. along an urbanization gradient

摘要: The diet of Tawny Owl as a function urbanization was studied in Central Poland 1976-1984. pellets were collected from 24 sites habitats along an gradient ranging the large, relatively undisturbed Kampinos Forest (1441 prey items), through small woodlots surrounding Warsaw (686) and into city (2567). Diet varied due to urbanization: p ro o rtio n s mammals amphibians lowest center (respectively 11.3% 0%), but proportion birds, largely I louse Sparrow Passer domestiais increased 2.9% forest 88.7% city. Niche breadth seasonal variation declined with urbanization. Relationships between composition habitat structure owl's hunting range city, well on owls forests, let conclude that able exploit locally abundant variety habitats. Although highest densities Field Mouse Apodeinus agrarius noted parks cemeteries, our data suggest Owls catch this species more effectively gardens secondary growth areas. predation by pair breeding urban cemetery low. Approximately 3.2% population removed owl predation, considerably less than rural population.