SPECTRUL TROFIC AL CIUFULUI DE PĂDURE (ASIO OTUS) ÎN PERIOADA DE IARNĂ ÎN REPUBLICA MOLDOVA

Abstract

Trophic spectrum of the long-eared owl (Asio otus) in winter period in the Republic of Moldova. The long-eared owl (Asio otus) is a sedentary bird in the Republic of Moldova and one of the most widespread in Europe. The trophic spectrum of A. otus was established during the winter period in different parts of the Republic of Moldova in the period 2013-2022. In Volodeni locality (Edinet district, northern part) the trophic spectrum of A.otus during the winter period consists of rodent and bird species. The field voles (genus Microtus) were dominant with over 70%. In Chisinau city, the trophic spectrum of A. otus was much more diverse and consisted of 15 mammal species of 3 orders (Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Rodentia) and birds, the main trophic objects were the rodents – over 95%. The Microtus species dominated with 70.99%, followed the Mus species with 10.88% and A. sylvaticus with 10.34%. In the Sadaclia village (Basarabeasca district, southern part), mammals of the orders Soricomorpha, Rodentia and birds were identified. The dominant species were the field voles (Microtus), which represented more than half of identified animals, followed by the Apodemus species with 19.71%, and Mus species with 16.42%.The birds had a rather high proportion – 9.49%, while the shrews, represented by one species C. leucodon – only 0.37%. The long-eared owl have a high importance in rodent regulation density