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Résumé :
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Random observations of Long-eared Owls by experienced ornithologists (about 25 persons over a 25/30 years period) allow for an estimation of the breeding numbers for this species in western Schleswig-Holstein. It is estimated that 30-130 pairs of Long-eared Owls breed in the county of Dithmarschen (1405 km2). Systematic surveys covering an area of 600 km2 in the same county confirm the correctness of this estimate. In 1996 59 breeding pairs of this species were recorded during the survey (Fig. 1). Similar conditions in the remaining area of the county (57%) allow for the calculation of a total number of 115 breeding pairs for that year in Dithmarschen. Only 12 breeding pairs were recorded in the same survey area in 1997, when Common Vole numbers were low. The abundances of breeding Long-eared Owls recorded in different landscape types in Dithmarschen agree with those recorded for other areas in northern Germany. The breeding densities varied from 0.02 to 0.08 pairs/km2 (average 0.05 pairs), maximum on sandy uplands areas (with grassy lowlands) in 1996 0.13 pairs/km2. A rapid change in breeding habitat has occurred (Tab. 3). Whereas in the period 1963-95 only 32% were recorded breeding in human settlements, this share increased to 61% in 1996 to 1997. Random observations combined with sample plot studies (homogeneity-test) and counts of pairs with begging young allow for good estimates of the numbers of breeding Long-eared Owls in the western part of Schleswig-Holstein (6600 km2 of mainland, Fig. 2): between 200 and 600-700 pairs.
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