Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ECOLOGY OF SOME SPECIES OF OWLS IN AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES OF THE ALTAI REGION

Sergey Viktorovich Vazhov, Roman Fedorovich Bakhtin and Viktor Markovich Vazhov

Abstract

On agricultural landscapes of the Altai region the Strigidae are represented by 9 species. By distribution they may be divided into three groups: Migratory - 3 types (long-eared owl, short-eared owl, and scopsowl); Breeding and wintering in nesting areas - 5 species (eagle-owl, Ural owl, Great gray owl, pygmy owl, boreal owl); and Migratory and wintering, but not nesting - 1 species (snowy owl). The populations of most species are characterized by uneven spatial distribution of nesting areas, which is associated with significant anthropogenic transformation of the territory and the gravity of many species to unplowed areas. Three owl species under special protection listed in the Red Books of different levels are nesting in the study area. These are the eagle-owl, great grey owl, and pygmy owl. The eagle-owl population is still in relatively good condition. The populations of great grey owl and pygmy owl need further detailed study. The most significant limiting human-induced factors for owl populations in the Altai region are the death on birdsdangerous lines, selective logging, and dependence on cattle, agricultural ground fires, and commercial development of placer gold mine in the river and streams valleys.