Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21857/yvjrdcd7gy
Owls of the Nature Park Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje, NW Croatia
Vesna Tutiš
; Institute of Ornithology, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Davor Ćiković
; Institute of Ornithology, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Barišić
; Institute of Ornithology, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper presents the results of owl surveys conducted in the
Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park (340 km²), NW Croatia, between
2002 and 2005. Five owl species were recorded, with the Tawny
Owl Strix aluco being the most common. A total of 108 Tawny Owl territories,
22 Ural Owl Strix uralensis territories, 8 Northern Long-eared
Owl Asio otus territories, 3 Little Owl Athene noctua territories, and 2
Common Barn Owl Tyto alba territories were identified. The primary
conservation challenge is the ongoing succession of open habitats to forests,
driven by significant depopulation and the decline in traditional
agriculture. This poses a major threat to species associated with open
habitats, such as the Barn Owl and the Little Owl. To maintain owl diversity,
it is vital to support extensive agricultural practices within the
Nature Park’s boundaries, preserving and, where possible, restoring
grasslands and traditional orchards.
Keywords
owls; distribution; call-playback; Nature Park; Žumberak Mountain
Hrčak ID:
323299
URI
Publication date:
10.12.2024.
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