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1 September 2009 Burrow Occupancy Patterns of the Western Burrowing Owl in Southern Nevada
Paul D. Greger, Derek B. Hall
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Abstract

Understanding long-term patterns of burrow occupancy for the Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is necessary for the conservation of this species, especially in arid, desert ecosystems where burrow occupancy data are lacking. Monthly burrow monitoring was conducted over a 4-year period (1997–2001) in southern Nevada to determine burrow occupancy patterns of Burrowing Owls and to evaluate the effects of burrow type and desert region on burrow occupancy. Burrow occupancy occurred year-round and was most consistent in the Transition region and tended to be lowest in the Mojave Desert region. Peak burrow occupancy occurred during March through May, followed by a gradual decline in occupancy through the summer and fall until January and February, when occupancy was lowest. Occupancy was significantly higher at sites with both culvert and pipe burrows than at sites with earthen burrows in disturbed habitat or earthen burrows in natural habitat. Breeding-season occupancy was not significantly higher in wetter, cooler portions (e.g., Great Basin desert region) of the study area. Results suggest that occupancy is influenced by habitat features—such as suitable burrows in open areas with low vegetation—and climatic regime.

© 2009
Paul D. Greger and Derek B. Hall "Burrow Occupancy Patterns of the Western Burrowing Owl in Southern Nevada," Western North American Naturalist 69(3), 285-294, (1 September 2009). https://doi.org/10.3398/064.069.0301
Received: 7 March 2008; Accepted: 1 February 2009; Published: 1 September 2009
KEYWORDS
Athene cunicularia hypugaea
burrow occupancy
burrow type
Great Basin Desert
Mojave Desert
southern Nevada
Western Burrowing Owl
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