Numbers, Territory-Size and Turnover of Short-Eared Owls Asio flammeus in Relation to Vole Abundance

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Abstract
The number of Short-eared Owls in upland conifer plantations in South Scotland [UK] was positively correlated with vole numbers during autumn and spring from October 1975 to July 1978. There were fewer voles and owls in grazed sheepwalk than in the ungrazed young-plantations. The mean size of owl territories varied from 42 ha to 112 ha, and was negatively related to vole abundance. Recoveries and sightings of wing-tagged owls suggested that they may have dispersed several hundred kilometers or more, following the decline in voles, but were most likely to breed in the study area in successive years when vole numbers were increasing.

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