An analysis of Apulian micromammal populations by studying owl's pellets

Abstract

<strong>Abstract</strong> The study contains data from 3302 preys found in Barn owl pellets from 15 sites within the Provinces of Foggia and Bari (Apulia, Southern Italy). Eleven micromammal species were identified. <em>Microtus savii</em> and <em>Apodemus sylvaticus</em> were the most frequents preys. No specimen of <em>Clethrionomys glareolus</em> and <em>Apodemus flavicollis</em> were found which is probably due to the habitat typology examined (all thermoxerophilous phytocoenosis). The Sorensen Index showed a high faunistic affinity among all the sites studied and other localities of Apulia. However, by applying the index of biocenotic differences (Renkonen) a difference in some localities, in relation to <em>Microtus savii</em> and Insectivores abundance, was found.

Keywords

• micromammals
• Barn owl
• pellets