THE LONG-EARED OWL (ASIO-OTUS) AND FOREST MANAGEMENT - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

In North America, 13 of 20 breeding season studies reporting on Long-e ared Owl (Asio otus) reproduction were conducted in open country habit ats, four in woodland or edge habitats and three in predominantly wood land habitat. Sixteen of 22 nonbreeding season studies that reported c ommunal roost sites were located in forest/edge habitats, five reporte d locations in open space and one was found within forest habitat. The re is currently little data to indicate either a negative or positive effect of forest-management practices on this species. Although there appears to be some evidence of population declines in specific geograp hic areas, these impacts have been attributed to loss of riparian vege tation, conversion of foraging areas to agricultural fields and refore station of open habitats. The Long-eared Owl's ecomorphology is sugges tive of a species that inhabits open country. Additionally, its primar y food is small mammals (e.g., microtine and heteromyid rodents) which inhabit open country. Should the Long-eared Owl be considered a fores t owl? Research data would suggest no; however, studies from extensive deciduous and coniferous woodlands are needed.