Influence of prey abundance on northern spotted owl reproductive success in western Oregon

Abstract

The hypothesis that high temporal variability of northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) reproductive success is a response to prey abundance remains largely untested. We evaluated this relationship in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. Despite similar biomass of northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) (169 ± 13.9 g/ha) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) (160 ± 18.8 g/ha), flying squirrels dominated the breeding season diet based on both biomass (49%) and numbers (40%). Abundance of flying squirrels and western red-backed voles (Clethrionomys californicus) was more variable spatially ([Formula: see text]38% of process variation) than temporally (15%–24%), whereas abundance of deer mice was more similar across stands (12% spatial variation) than among years (68% temporal variation). Spotted owl reproductive success was statistically associated only with the abundance of deer mice (number of young per territory: r2 = 0.68). However, deer mice comprised only 1.6 ± 0.5% of the biomass consumed. The low temporal variability of the dominant prey species provided evidence that simple prey relationship models were not likely to explain the highly synchronous and temporally dynamic patterns of spotted owl reproductive performance. Reproductive success was likely a result of the interaction of both weather and prey and the life history strategy of this long-lived owl.