Cavity-tree use and frequency of response to playback by the Tropical Screech-Owl in northwestern Argentina

Authors

  • Alejandro Alberto Schaaf Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Bolivia 1239, 4600 San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina Fundación CEBio, Roca 44, San Salvador de Jujuy 4600, Jujuy, Argentina
  • Ever Tallei Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Bolivia 1239, 4600 San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina Fundación CEBio, Roca 44, San Salvador de Jujuy 4600, Jujuy, Argentina
  • Natalia Politi Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Bolivia 1239, 4600 San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina Fundación CEBio, Roca 44, San Salvador de Jujuy 4600, Jujuy, Argentina
  • Luis Rivera Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas (INECOA), Universidad Nacional de Jujuy – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Bolivia 1239, 4600 San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy, Argentina Fundación CEBio, Roca 44, San Salvador de Jujuy 4600, Jujuy, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/15950

Abstract

The Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba) is a nocturnal raptor with a wide distribution across the Neotropics, which uses cavity trees as nesting and roosting sites. Our objectives were to address cavity use by the Tropical Screech-Owl in the piedmont forest of Argentina and to evaluate if logging affects the availability of suitable cavities for nesting and roosting and the frequency of response of the species to playback. The Tropical Screech-Owl used trees with DBH values > 46 cm of three tree species (69% Calycophyllum multiflorum, 15% Phyllostylon rhamnoides, and 8% Cedrela angustifolia), besides standing dead trees (8%). The density of suitable cavities was significantly lower in logged forests than in the control site. The frequency of response of the species to playback was significantly lower at one logged site. Our results can contribute to delineate sustainable forest management to ensure the conservation of this owl in logged forest.

 

Published

2019-07-10

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2019): January/March

Section

Short Communication

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