The Little Owl: Conservation, Ecology and Behavior of Athene Noctua

by Dries Van Nieuwenhuyse , Jean-Claude Génot , David H. Johnson

• ISBN13: 9780521714204
• ISBN10: 0521714206
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-02-17
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Understanding of the basic biology of owls is poor compared to that of other bird species. The Little Owl, Athene noctua, has become one of the best models for biological and conservation research, due to its commonness and the fact that it occupies nest-boxes very easily. In this unique book the authors synthesise the substantial literature, and detail current information regarding the Little Owl. They discuss its wide-ranging ecology, genetics and subspecies and population status by country. In addition, they outline a strategy and monitoring program for its conservation. The book features an outstanding bibliography of literature on the Little Owl, listing publications dated from 1769 to the present day, in many languages, including Russian, English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian. Whilst being an invaluable resource for academic researchers, its straightforward style holds undoubted appeal for amateurs and enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

Introduction

History and traditions

Taxonomy and genetics

Morphology and body characteristics

Distribution, population estimates and trends

Habitat

Diet

Breeding season

Behaviour

Population regulation

Conservation

Research priorities

Monitoring plan for the Little Owl

Citizen conservation and volunteer work on Little Owls - the past, present and future

Literature cited

Appendices

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.