Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 40(2) 1997
Weasel and stoat (Mustelidae; Mammalia) in the food of birds of prey from Poland
Abstract:
Weasel and stoat remains were identified in 34 (2.6%) out of 1300 pellet collections of birds of prey from Poland. Weasels were found in 32 collections and their percentage in all vertebrates found in the particular collection was according to the raptor species, as follows: Barn Owl (n = 15, = 0.66%, range = 0.01-3.40%), Long-eared Owl (n = 3, x = 0.77%, range = 0.31-1.64%), Tawny Owl (n = 12, = 0.56%, range =0.03-2.38%), and Buzzard (n = 1, = 0.62%). No significant relationship was found between the frequency of consumption of weasels and stoats by birds of prey and (1) the density of weasel and stoat populations and (2) the density of rodents, which are the primary food of owls and Mustelidae.
