Abstract

VALENCIA-HERVERTH, Jorge; ORTIZ-PULIDO, Raúl  and  ENRIQUEZ, Paula L.. Species richness and spatial distribution of nocturnal raptors in Hidalgo, Mexico. Huitzil [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.2, pp.116-129. ISSN 1870-7459.

Knowledge of nocturnal raptors in Mexico is limited; their natural history, ecology, and distribution are poorly known. At the state level there are few studies that mention the state of knowledge and the distribution of species at a fine spatial scale. Here we report the results of compiling historical (1865 to 2010) and current data (2011) of nocturnal raptors to the state of Hidalgo. In total we gathered 310 records belonging to 18 species. The Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) was the species with the highest number of records (73). The eco-region with highest number of species was the Sierra Madre Oriental Pine and Oak Forests. The vegetation types with greatest species number were pine and oak forests. The result of our study allow us to say that 93% of the records were obtained between 1996 and 2011, and that there was more sampling effort at the portions north and central of the state, lacking information in the west, south and southeast. This study shows a general overview of the current knowledge of the distribution of the nocturnal raptors in the state of Hidalgo. This information can be used at future conservation plans aimed at this group of birds in the state.

Keywords : owls; new records; eco-regions; protected areas.

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