Dataset
Data from: Large trees and forest heterogeneity facilitate prey capture by California spotted owls
Dryad
07/15/2022
DOI: 10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtfn
Abstract
Predators are among the most threatened animal groups globally, with prey
declines contributing to their endangerment. However, assessments of the
habitat conditions that influence the successful capture of different prey
species are rare, especially for small, cryptic predators. Accordingly,
most predator conservation plans are based on the relative importance of
habitats inferred from coarse-scale studies that do not consider
habitat features contributing to hunting success, which can vary among
prey species. To address this limitation, we integrated high-resolution
GPS tracking and nest video monitoring to characterize habitat features at
prey capture locations during the nestling provisioning stage for the
Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) a small, cryptic predator that has been
at the center of a decades-long forest management conflict in western
North America. When all prey species were considered collectively, males
provisioning nests tended to capture prey: (i) in areas with more
large-tree forest, (ii) in areas with more medium trees/medium canopy
forest, and (iii) at edges between conifer and hardwood forests. However,
when we considered the owl’s two key prey species separately, males
captured woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) and Humboldt flying squirrels
(Glaucomys oregonensis) in areas with markedly different habitat features.
Our study provides clarity for forest management in mixed-ownership
landscapes because different prey species achieve high densities in
different habitat types. Specifically, our results suggest that promoting
large trees, increasing forest heterogeneity, and creating canopy gaps in
forests with medium trees/high canopy cover could benefit Spotted Owls and
their prey, which has the ancillary benefit of enhancing forest
resilience. Combining high-resolution GPS tagging with video-based
information on prey deliveries to breeding sites can strengthen
conservation planning for small predators by more rigorously defining
those habitat features that are associated with successful prey
acquisition.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Data from: Large trees and forest heterogeneity facilitate prey capture by California spotted owls
- Creators
- Ceeanna J Zulla - University of Wisconsin–MadisonH Anu Kramer - University of Wisconsin–MadisonGavin M Jones - Rocky Mountain Research StationJohn J Keane - Pacific Southwest Research StationKevin N Roberts - CF Industries Holdings (United States)Brian P Dotters - CF Industries Holdings (United States)Sarah C Sawyer - Pacific Southwest Research StationSheila A Whitmore - University of Wisconsin–MadisonWilliam J Berigan - University of Wisconsin–MadisonKevin G Kelly - University of Wisconsin–MadisonAmy K Wray - University of Wisconsin–MadisonZachariah Peery - University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Resource Type
- Dataset
- DOI
- 10.5061/dryad.4b8gthtfn
- Publisher
- Dryad
- Grant note
- Funding was provided by the US Forest Service Region 5 and Pacific Southwest Research Station, and Sierra Pacific Industries. *
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/15/2022
- Academic Unit
- School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability
- Record Identifier
- 9985222719902771
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