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The distribution of forest dwelling Tyto owls in south-east Queensland: environmental drivers and conservation status
2020
Abstract
Knowledge of the distribution and habitat requirements of nocturnal birds is crucial for the development of effective conservation strategies for these species. This study represents the first comprehensive effort to create species distribution models (SDMs) for three forestdwelling owl species: the sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa), the masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae) and the eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica) throughout the south-east Queensland bioregion. Occurrence records gained through call playback surveys were combined with historical occurrence records from online biodiversity atlases to build a distribution database. SDMs predicted the largest area of suitable habitat for the eastern barn owl (21,500 km2), followed by the masked owl (7,000 km2) and the sooty owl (5,300 km2).
Results showed that masked and sooty owls selected strongly for wet forest types, whereas eastern barn owls occurred mainly in non-remnant habitat. Sooty and masked owl models showed the highest proportion of overlap in predicted suitable habitat, although the masked owl recorded much fewer sightings amongst both the historic data and call playback data suggesting it has a lower abundance in SEQ than the other two species. While the current reserve system protects a considerable amount of masked and sooty owl habitat, the majority of predicted suitable habitat occurs on private land and, so, we suggest conservation efforts should be focussed there. To better understand the conservation status of forest owls, we recommend further research into the spatial distribution of owls in SEQ including the expansion of our call playback survey program to include more sites spread over the full extent of the bioregion, addition of other species of forest owl and repeated survey to track temporal trends in distribution and occupancy. In the meantime, we propose that engagement of landowners in citizen science projects to detect owls, combined with the establishment of legislative protection for nest and roost sites are the most effective methods for conserving these species.
Details
- Title
- The distribution of forest dwelling Tyto owls in south-east Queensland: environmental drivers and conservation status
- Authors
- Dylan Westaway - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - LegacyScott Burnett (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastYoko Shimizu - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - LegacySanjeev Kumar Srivastava - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research Cluster
- Date published
- 2020
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991148039602621
- Output Type
- Other; Unpublished
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