Causes of owl mortality in Hawaii, 1992 to 1994
Eighty-one barn owls (Tyto alba) and five Hawaiian owls or pueo (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) from Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii (USA) were evaluated for cause of death, November 1992 through August 1994. The most common cause of death in barn owls was trauma (50%) followed by infectious disease (28%) and emaciation (22%). Most traumas apparently resulted from vehicular collisions. Trichomoniasis was the predominant infectious disease and appeared to be a significant cause of death in barn owls in Hawaii. Pasteurellosis and aspergillosis were encountered less commonly. No predisposing cause of emaciation was detected. Stomach contents from 28 barn owls contained mainly insects (64%) of the family Tetigoniidae and Gryllidae, and rodents (18%); the remainder had mixtures of rodents and insects or grass. Three pueo died from trauma and one each died from emaciation and pasteurellosis. We found no evidence of organochlorine, organophosphorus, or carbamate pesticides as causes of death in pueo or barn owls.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1996 |
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Title | Causes of owl mortality in Hawaii, 1992 to 1994 |
DOI | 10.7589/0090-3558-32.2.266 |
Authors | Thierry M. Work, Jon Hale |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Wildlife Diseases |
Index ID | 1004013 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | National Wildlife Health Center |