Landscape-related variation in the diet composition of the common buzzard (Buteo buteo) in Belarus

Slovak Raptor Journal

Anna A. Sidorovich¹  Irina A. Solovej²  Vadim E. Sidorovich²  Vladimir V. Ivanovskij³ 

[1] Corresponding authorNational Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Scientific and Practical Center for Bioresources, Sector of Ecological Impact Assessment of Environment Alterations, Akademicheskaya Str. 27, BY-220072 Minsk, Belarus;National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Scientific and Practical Center for Biological Resources, Laboratory of Theriology, Akademicheskaya Str. 27, BY-220072 Minsk, Belarus;Vitebsk State University named after P.M. Masherov, Faculty of Biology, Department of Ecology and Nature Protection, Moscow Ave. 33, BY-210038 Vitebsk, Belarus

关键词: Buteo buteo;    feeding;    habitat structure;    small rodents;    Belarus;   

DOI  :  10.1515/srj-2016-0006

学科分类：动物科学

来源: Ochrana Dravcov na Slovensku / Raptor Protection of Slovakia

【 摘 要 】

We examined common buzzard (Buteo buteo) feeding patterns in landscapes with different habitat structure in Belarus. A total of 561 pellets and prey remains were sampled in 1998-2012 from which 1065 prey and other food items were identified. Effects of habitat structure on buzzard diet composition were investigated using correlation analysis. The most abundant group in buzzards’ diets were small rodents (49-80% of the biomass consumed), followed by other mammals and birds. Reptiles, anurans, fish and invertebrates constituted the rest. Proportions of all food items varied greatly between landscapes. The mean-weighted body mass of vertebrate prey hunted by common buzzards in different landscapes ranged from 107 to 244 g, constituting on average 180 g. Among small rodents, voles of the genus Microtus were hunted selectively. The food niche breadth was directly proportional to the amount of forest habitat. With increasing amount of forest habitat, the proportion of Microtus voles in buzzards’ diets decreased and the proportions of other food items grew. These findings confirm the majority of previous results indicating feeding opportunism of the common buzzard. Our investigation enables better understanding of predator-prey interactions and the prey choice of the common buzzard in Belarus.

【 授权许可】

Unknown