Diet composition of the Pharaoh eagle owl, Bubo ascalaphus, across agricultural and natural areas in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The diet of the Pharaoh eagle owl, Bubo ascalaphus, inhabiting agricultural and natural areas in Saudi Arabia, was studied. Pellet analysis for B. ascalaphus in the agricultural area contained a high percentage (61.3%) of the house mouse, Mus musculus, while pellets collected from natural habitats were void of M. musculus, however, with a high proportion of wild rodents (Meriones crassus (28.6%) and Jaculus loftusi (41.6%). This suggests the importance of this owl as a biological control agent in agricultural areas.

Diversity and Conservation of Rodents in Saudi Arabia

“…Biology: Females give birth to 2-9 young, and become fully mature by one year [30]. The Southwest Asian Garden Dormouse lives along with other desert rodents, such as G. dasyurus and Thamamah, Nuayriyah, Risayah, Thamniyah, Tumeir, Wadi Rasid [14], Ara'r [24], Al Daba'ah [25], Ras al Abkhara [35].…”

“…Distribution in Saudi Arabia: Previous records: Ajibba, Balum wells, Gariya, Hafar Al Batin, Qunfidah, Rumaihiya [6], Summan Plateau [9], Harrat Al Harrah [10], Saja Umm Ar-Rimth [11,36], Turaif [12], Wadi As Sulai [13,22], Al Qasab, Dammam-Dhahran Rd., Hofuf, Jeddah, Nabhaniyah, Tumeir, Wadi Khumra, Wadi Shija [14], Ara'r [24], Al Daba'ah, Bsitah [25], Dauhat ad Dafi, Dauhat al Musallamiya, Hazim an Naquriya, Jubail, Ras al Abkhara [35].…”

“…Studies on the locomotory activity rhythm for Eliomys melanurus, Acomys dimidiatus, Meriones rex, Meriones lybicus and Gerbillus dasyurus were investigated [18][19][20][21]. Rodents remains in owl pellets were studied by several authors, providing additional locality records [22][23][24][25].…”