Great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park: on the importance of food, forest structure, and human disturbance
Natural Areas Journal
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Abstract
We studied great gray owls (Strix nebulosa Forster) in Yosemite National Park, California, measuring variables that could potentially influence patterns of occurrence and conservation of this stateendangered species. We found that owl presence was closely tied to habitat (red fir (Abies magnified A. Murray) and the abundance of meadows), prey, and snags across the landscape. We also found that indicators of human recreational activities negatively influenced owl distribution and habitat use. Great gray owls appear to prefer mid-elevation red fir forest with meadows that are drier and more productive in terms of small mammal populations. That these areas also have the highest human activity presents a paradox, both for individual owls and for the future conservation and management of this California endangered species. The extent to which human recreation in natural areas affects animal behavior, species distribution, and productivity is a growing issue in natural area management. We present information that will allow land managers to better understand how existing natural resources, coupled with human recreation, influence the distribution and habitat use of the great gray owl.
Suggested Citation
van Riper, C., Fontaine, J.J., van Wagtendonk, J., 2013, Great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park: on the importance of food, forest structure, and human disturbance: Natural Areas Journal, v. 33, no. 3, p. 286-295, https://doi.org/10.3375/043.033.0307.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) in Yosemite National Park: on the importance of food, forest structure, and human disturbance |
| Series title | Natural Areas Journal |
| DOI | 10.3375/043.033.0307 |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Natural Areas Association |
| Contributing office(s) | Southwest Biological Science Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Natural Areas Journal |
| First page | 286 |
| Last page | 295 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Yosemite National Park |