Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Raptor Research
Volume
41
First Page
10
Last Page
15
Publication Date
2007
Abstract
We studied home-range characteristics of adult Mexican Spotted Owls (Slyix occidentalis lucida) in southern Utah. Twenty-eight adult owls were radio-tracked using a ground-based telemetry system during 1991-95. Five males arid eight females molted tail feathers and dropped transmitters within 4 wk. We estimated cumulative home ranges for 15 Spotted Owls (12 males, 3 females). The mean estimate of cumulative home-range size was not statistically different between the minimum convex polygon and adaptive kernel (AK) 95% isopleth. Both estimators yielded relatively high SD, and male and fernale range sizes varied widely. For 12 owls tracked during both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, the mean size of the AK 95% nonbreeding home range was 49% larger than the breeding horne-range size. The median AK 75% home-range isopleth (272 ha) we observed was similar in size to Protected Activity Centers (PACs) recommended by a recovery team. Our results lend support to the PAC concept and we support continued use of PACs to conserve Spotted Owl habitat in Utah.
Recommended Citation
Willey, D. W., & van Riper, C. (2007). Home range characteristics of Mexican spotted owls in the Canyonlands of Utah. Journal of Raptor Research, 41, 10-15.
Comments
Original article published by the Raptor Research Foundation. Archive of this journal found at the Searchable Ornithological Research Archive (SORA).