Habitat selection, population density, and home range of the elf owl, Micrathene whitneyl, at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

Authors

Christopher Michael Gamel, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Timothy Brush

Second Advisor

Dr. Frank W. Judd

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert I. Lonard

Abstract

The Elf Owl, Micrathene whitneyi, is a regular summer resident of the southwestern United States. My objectives were to collect information concerning habitat selection, home range size, and population density of M. w. idonea, the subspecies occurring in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Nocturnal surveys indicated greater use of chaparral habitat (92%) compared to riparian woodlands (8%). Utilized habitat was characterized by highest foliage density at 2.5-3.0 m, with a partial canopy at 3.8 $\pm$ 0.36 m and a semi-open understory. Home range size ranged from 0.24 to 2.6 ha, with a mean of 1.05 $\pm$ 0.33 ha. Estimated maximum population size within Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is 802 Elf Owls.

Comments

Copyright 1997 Christopher Michael Gamel. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/habitat-selection-population-density-home-range/docview/304413683/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American