Distribution of Owls in Syria

The distribution of owls in Syria was investigated during a larger project to plot the distribution of small mammals in the country. Owl pellets were collected from 92 localities representing most of the habitats in Syria; during this work, seven species of owl were observed (Little Owl Athene noctua, Barn Owl Tyto alba, Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, Tawny Owl Strix aluco, Striated Scops Owl Otus brucei, Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops and Long-eared Owl Asio otus). Little Owl and Barn Owl were the most common owls. Owl distributions were mapped based on recent observations and published records. Threats affecting owl populations in Syria include trade for taxidermy or traditional use, secondary poisoning by insecticides and rodenticides and habitat destruction.

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