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Contribution to the knowledge on the synanthropization and dietary specialization of the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) in urban environment of Košice city (East Slovakia)


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S. uralensis is a typical silvatic species, specialized for this life style through its biology and diet. Synanthropization is a rare phenomenon in this species, reflected in the changes of diet and hunting strategies, adapting to the characteristics of the urban environment. Between November 22, 1993 and June 2, 1994, an individual of the Ural Owl was observed 39 times in the urban areas of Košice city. The examination of the pellets revealed that the Ural Owl specialized in hunting Streptopelia decaocto (76.7%) and Columba livia f. domestica (13.4%). These results were confirmed by observations of S. uralensis hunting S. decaocto. This discovery is the first direct evidence of S. uralensis diet adaptation to S. decaocto and feral C. livia f. domestica in Slovakia.

eISSN:
2644-5247
ISSN:
1337-3463
Language:
English
Publication timeframe:
Volume Open
Journal Subjects:
Life Sciences, Zoology