OVERLAP OF ESTACIONAL DIET OF TUCÚQUERE (BUBO MAGELLANICUS) AND LECHUZA BLANCA (TYTO ALBA) THROUGH OF THE STUDY OF PELLETS IN RIO CLARILLO NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

Fifty pellets belonging to Tucúquere (Bubo magellanicus) and White Owl (Tyto alba), in the Clarillo River National Park between the months of March and August of 2017, covering the autumn and winter seasons, were collected. We proceed to an identification of the dietary items of each bird. Seven species of rodents were identified as part of their diet: Black Rat (Rattus rattus), Olive-backed Mouse (Abrothrix olivaceus), Long-tailed Mouse (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), Domestic Laucha (Mus musculus), Chinchilla Mouse (Abrocoma bennetti), Mouse Brush tail (Octodon degu) and Long-haired mouse (Abrothrix longipilis) of which 5 are common for both birds of prey. No significant differences were found between the autumn and winter diet of both birds. In addition, through a dietary similarity index (Pianka), it was established that they have a high dietary superposition, which would indicate competition of dietary resources among these birds, as long as they are scarce. More than 40% of the diet of both birds is based on exotic rodents, which are infectious vectors of diseases for park animals and human population. On this basis, the importance of these Strigiformes, as natural controllers of exotic rodent pests, is raised.