Home range and movement patterns of Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae |
| |
| Authors: | Munir Virani |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1. The Peregrine Fund (Kenya Project). Zoology Dept , Leicester University , UK;2. Ornithology Dept. , National Museums of Kenya , PO. Box 40658, Nairobi, Kenya E-mail: kbirds@users.africaonline.co.ke |
| |
| Abstract: | Virani, M. 2000. Home range and movement patterns of Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 139–142. A radio-telemetric study of the endangered Sokoke Scops Owl Otus ireneae was conducted between July and December 1993. The aims were to determine the species' home range and movement patterns with respect to time and moon phases. Information gathered would then be used to formulate a rational conservation plan to ensure their survival. Six adult owls (from three adjacent pairs) were monitored during the study period. Pairs held exclusive home ranges with little (2.6%) or no overlap with their neighbours. Mean home range size (MCP) of individual owls was 8.8 ha while mean home range size of each pair was 11.0 ha. Peak owl activity took place immediately after dusk and prior to dawn. Periods of lulls occurred between 23h00 and 03h00. Movement per unit time was negatively correlated with distance from roost. The owls tended to forage further from their roosts on nights with decreased illumination from the moon. Maximum owl distances from roosts were attained between 00h00 and 02h00. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
