Monitoring non-natural mortality in the barn owl (Tyto alba), as an indicator of land use and social awareness in Spain

Non-natural mortality patterns in the barn owl (Tyto alba) were studied in Central Spain between 1990 and 1999. The data are compared to those from th e same area in the previous decade (1983-1989). Seasonal mortality has chan ged significantly presumably due to the recent plagues of field voles (Micr otus arvalis). Results show a clear shift in mortality patterns, with reduc ed levels of deliberate and direct prosecution (mainly shooting and nest-ro bbing) in the second period. The decrease in deliberate killing in Spain du ring the 1990s seems to be closely related to the important efforts carried out globally and systematically throughout the country in environmental ed ucation. However, percentages of casualties from car collisions have increa sed significantly during the second period, probably as a combined conseque nce of the reduction of deliberate killing along with the enlargement of th e Spanish road network and the increase in number of vehicles. Monitoring n on-natural mortality seems to be a good indicator of social awareness and l andscape use. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.