Owl predation on desert rodents which differ in morphology and behavior

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Kotler, Burt P.

Source:

Journal of Mammalogy, American Society of Mammalogists, Volume 66, Issue 4, p.824-828 (1985)

Call Number:

A85KOT01IDUS

Keywords:

Asio otus

Abstract:

Desert rodents which differ in morphology also differ in the likelihood of their being preyed upon. Those with enlarged auditory bullae and bipedal gait suffered lower rates of predation by long-eared owls than expected based on relative rodent abundance. The other species are heavily preyed upon despite rarely leaving the safety of bushes. Finally, an inferred switch in hunting behavior by owls may have greatly affected predation rates. The conclusions of this paper relate only to long-eared owls (Asio otus). Owls of different species or other types of predators may have different effects.