Abstract
Raptors, such as the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea), are at the top of the food chain and play a critical role in regulating prey populations. The objective of this study was to determine the composition and seasonal variation in the diet of the western burrowing owl in a region of the Chihuahuan Desert during two seasons, summer and autumn. From June to December2018, 79 pellets were collected and analyzed to identify the main prey orders consumed, the trophic niche breadth, and the dietary overlap between seasons. The primary prey orders identified in the owl’s diet were Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera. Trophic niche breadth analysis revealed that the owl feeds mainly on coleoptera, which comprised 75.5 % of its diet in summer and 76.7 % in autumn. This pattern was quantified using Levins’ standardized trophic niche breadth index (BEST), yielding valuesof 0.09854 in summer and 0.09375 in autumn, confirming dietary specialization in both seasons (BEST =0.09857). Additionally, no overlap with other dietary components was observed, which may be attributed to the seasonal availability of potential prey in the study area. Understanding the trophic ecology of the western burrowing owl is crucial for developing effective management strategies and habitat conservation.
Published Version
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