First Record of Asio stygius (Aves: Strigidae) and diet analysis in the Botanical Garden of Miguel Lillo Foundation, Tucumán, Argentina

Abstract

Asio stygius (Stygian Owl) is a rare owl and difficult to observe, inhabits jungles and forests of savannas. In the year 2016 a specimen was observed for the first time in the Botanical Garden of the Miguel Lillo Foundation (JBFML, for its abbreviation in Spanish) so it was followed up for a month that was the period in which it remained on the site. The study consisted of analyzing the diet of Blackish Lechuzón during its stay in the JBFML. For that, the resting place and its perches were observed, and 20 pellets were collected and analyzed. Birds, particularly raptors, are good bioindicators of environmental quality, since be- ing at the top of the trophic chain are sensitive to environmental changes and human activity, hence the importance of the presence of A. stygius in the JBFML.