Burrow Occupancy Patterns of the Western Burrowing Owl in Southern Nevada

Abstract

Understanding long-term patterns of burrow occupancy for the Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) is necessary for the conservation of this species, especially in arid, desert ecosystems where burrow occupancy data are lacking. Monthly burrow monitoring was conducted over a 4-year period (1997-2001) in southern Nevada to determine burrow occupancy patterns of Burrowing Owls and to evaluate the effects of burrow type and desert region on burrow occupancy. Burrow occupancy occurred year-round and was most consistent in the Transition region and tended to be lowest in the Mojave Desert region. Peak burrow occupancy occurred during March through May, followed by a gradual decline in occupancy through the summer and fall until January and February, when occupancy was lowest. Occupancy was significantly higher at sites with both culvert and pipe burrows than at sites with earthen burrows in disturbed habitat or earthen burrows in natural habitat. Breeding-season occupancy was not significantly higher in wetter, cooler portions (e.g., Great Basin desert region) of the study area. Results suggest that occupancy is influenced by habitat features-such as suitable burrows in open areas with low vegetation-and climatic regime.

Ecological Monitoring and Compliance Program 2015 Report

“…NSTec biologists, Derek Hall and Paul Greger, authored two articles about western burrowing owls that were published in the Western North American Naturalist in 2009, one on food habits (Hall et al, 2009) and one on burrow use (Greger and Hall, 2009). They also provided input into the new Nevada Bird Conservation Plan that the Great Basin Bird Observatory is writing, and presented a poster on the western red-tailed skink at the Southwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation 3 rd Annual Meeting in St. George, Utah.…”