Population Estimation and Behavioral Study of the Spotted Owl (Athene brama) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Spotted Owl (Athene brama) is a widely distributed Indian subcontinental owl species that serves as a natural pest regulator. Little information has been documented on its ecology and the attitudes of people toward A. brama in Pakistan. Thus, this study investigated population density, nesting and roosting habits, diet composition, and attitudes toward A. brama in southern Punjab. Between March 2020 and January 2021, a block of 600 km² was surveyed through line transects, point counts, pellet analysis, and interviewing. A total of 111 owlets and 51 nests were recorded, corresponding to a density of 18.5 owlets and 8.5 nests per 100 km². Owlets were raised mainly in Dalbergia sissoo and Acacia nilotica tree hollows, with a mean height was 4.2 ± 1.2 m and a DBH of 54.8 ± 7.8 cm. Clutch size was a mean of four eggs, with >90% nest success and 80% hatching success. Pellet analysis (n = 67) showed that rodents and shrews accounted for almost 90% of prey biomass, followed by birds (5.1%) and amphibians (5.1%). Roosting usually occurred close to fields and power poles, and breeding was most concentrated from February to April. Interviewing 238 residents showed that 60% regarded owlets as being superstitious, and 25% only valued their ecological significance. These findings show the importance of A. brama as a main biological control agent and emphasize the value of conservation measures such as cavity tree protection, artificial nest boxes, and culturally compatible awareness campaigns to ensure coexistence in agroecosystems.