Nesting habitat of Mexican spotted owls in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico

摘要: Understanding the habitat relationships of rare species is critical to conserving populations and habitats those species. Nesting suspected limit distribution threatened Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), may vary among geographic regions. We studied selection nesting by owls within their home ranges in Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico. comparedcharacteristics ofowl nesttreesandnestsites tocharacteristics ofrandomlylocatedtrees andsitesat 2 spatial scales: general nest vicinity activity centers used owls. Owls nested primarily mixed-conifer forest (92%), most cavities trees or snags (48%), dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) witches' brooms (36%). Owl had greater levels infection were larger diameter than random at both evaluated scales. Nest also more likely be white fir (Abies concolor) Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), with broken tops. Differences between sites differed scale which we selected sites, but scales examined, canopy cover basal area contributed large sites. In addition, occurred drainage bottoms on lower thirds north- east-facing slopes. Conservation this will require retaining patches high containing brooms. Locating management treatments ridgetops upper third slopes and/or south- west-facing reduce impacts while simultaneously targeting drier types need restoration. 2013 The Wildlife Society.