Article Abstract:
Observation of Mexican Spotted Owls in the Tularosa Mountains of New Mexico show that they choose nesting and roosting locations in mixed conifer forests with an understory of oak trees. The habitat selection of the mountain variety and the two coastal subspecies are similar despite their isolation over a long period. Platform structures as well as cavities are used for nests. The Spotted Owls depend on suitable structures for nesting instead of building their own nests. A lower predation risk and access to prey base regulate the selection of forests with variation in tree heights.
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Article Abstract:
The land cover in the nests of northwest spotted owls was analyzed. The comparison of amount of five land cover types, mature and old-growth forest fragmentation, and seral stage heterogeneity within 800 m (200h) circular plots around nest, roost and random sites shows that spatial scale of sampling is vital and affects analytical results. The findings from the Klamath Physiographic Province of California are consistent with the results obtained from Oregon and Washington. The spotted owls were found to nest at sites with more mature and old-growth forest.
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Article Abstract:
Detailed information on Northern Spotted Owl nests and nesting habitat in the southern part of its range in northwestern California is provided, to give a better understanding of habitat selection patterns and help conservation planning. Spotted Owls in northwestern California are selecting nests in patches of older trees that have achieved a size and age more advanced than surrounding trees, due to escape from past fires or other natural disasters. It may be important therefore to conserve such areas.
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