Endemic Cyprus Scops Owl Otus cyprius Readily Breeds in Artificial Nest Boxes.

ABSTRACT: As is well-known, endemic island bird species are especially vulnerable to extinction from anthropogenic environmental change and reduced fitness compared with mainland taxa. The Cyprus Scops Owl, Otus cyprius, is a recently recognized island endemic species whose ecology and breeding biology have not been studied. It nests mainly in holes in trees and buildings, so the felling of old trees, modern architectural practices, and the renovation of old houses in villages may reduce nest site availability. Its population trend is also unknown. Therefore, to better determine its ecological requirements and habitat preferences we placed nest boxes in rural areas adjacent to the forest, in the forest, and in the ecotone between them, and used breeding success as our indicator of habitat suitabilit

SUBMITTER: Iezekiel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8232148 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature