Date preliminare privind dieta unor păsări răpitoare nocturne (aves: strigidae) în zona de nord a Republicii Moldova [Articol]

Abstract

The studies were accomplished in three localities from the northern zone of the Republic of Moldova: Unguri (Ocnița district) – in Mai, at the end of nesting period, where 59 pellets of Asio otus were collected, Volodeni (Edineț ds) – in February 64 pellets of Asio otus were collected; Gordinești (Edineț ds) – in February 56 pellets of Athene noctua were collected. After analyzing the material there were identified 126 individulas in pellets from Unguri, 158 individuals in pellets from Volodeni and 132 individuals in pellets from Gordinești. The trophic spectrums of long-eared owl and of little owl consist mostly of rodent species dominant in agrocenoses, most of which are harmful. In both species the main prey was the field vole (Microtus) with more than 70% in long-eared owl and with about 50% in little owl. The species of genus Apodemus and Mus have a significant role in the diet of both species. The intense use for food of voles and mice from genera Apodemus and Mus, which are important pest species of agricultural crops, emphasize the importance of long-eared owl and of little owl in biological fight against harmful species.