Owls (Strigiformes) in Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês (PNPG) – Portugal

Abstract

Owls (Strigiformes) are particularly difficult to study and the existing information is still scarce. In PNPG area there are records of the seven species present in Portugal; the Long-eared Owl and the Short-eared Owl are here occasional species. This work aims to determine the distribution, density and abundance of Strigiformes in PNPG (Northwest of Portugal). Between December 2007 and June 2008, 106 passive hearing point counts of 15 minutes each were done in the centre of each of 106 squares (2x2 km). Distribution maps for each species were obtained. Therefore, we recorded a total of 98 contacts for Tawny Owl and 67 contacts for Scops Owl. We also obtained 7 contacts of Little Owl, 2 contacts of Barn Owl and one of Eagle Owl. The habitat selection by Scops Owl and Tawny Owl was also studied. Scops Owls seems to avoid low shrub and preferred forested areas. Tawny Owls also avoid low shrub areas, preferring forested areas, and were found in urban areas. The populations of these two species in PNPG show a considerable expansion, while the other ones reveal a marked decline regarding the previous situation. The implementation of monitoring and conservation measures is suggested to stop the decline of these three species.