Distribution and number of the Eagle Owl in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia

Abstract

In this paper we make an estimation of the number of the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) in the Republic of Kalmykia by means of using the suitable habitat model in QGIS using data acquired by the Earth remote sensing. The research was carried out in May – July 2020. The distribution of breeding pairs, reproductive success, and diet were studied. 36 eagle-owl’s home ranges are identified, 26 of them were occupied in 2020, and nests were found in 22 breeding territories. The density of breeding territory is 1.29 pairs per 100 km² or 17.5 pairs per 100 km of the linear biotopes on average. The brood size varied from 3 to 5 nestlings, average 3.36±0,67 nestlings per occupied nest and 2.9±1,22 nestlings per successful nest. The current number of the Kalmyk eagle owl population is estimated in a range of 242-293, 266 pairs on average, including 165 pairs (151–181) on the Ergeny hills and 23 pairs (21–25) in the Kuma Manych depression. The breeding grouping of Chernye Zemli is estimated at 70–87 pairs, 78 pairs on average. A decrease in the population level caused by the habitat loss started from the second half of the 20th century is estimated at 52 %.

Keywords

• пернатые хищники
• совы
• филин
• bubo bubo
• распространение
• численность
• гнездовая биология