The owls of Belize

Abstract

Belize is one of the smallest countries in Central America and has one of the lowest human population densities of any country in the world. More than 40% of its land is in protected open space. Of its eleven resident owl species, Ciccaba virgata, a woodland species, is the most common and widespread, followed roughly in order by Megascops guatemalae of woodland habitats; Tyto alba, an inhabitant of open areas; and the more locally distributed Glaucidium brasilianum of open woodlands and edges. Pulsatrix perspicillata, C. nigrolineata, G. griseiceps, and Lophostrix cristata are confined largely to mature broadleaf forests in the interior. Asio stygius is confined to pine woodlands; Bubo virginianus to a variety of habitats on the Ambergris peninsula, and along the northern coastal strip where it is rare; and Pseudoscops clamator to open meadows and savannas on the coastal plain south of Belize City. Athene cunicularia and Asio flammeus have been recorded in Belize as vagrants. The percentage of each owl species' distributional range that lies within designated protected areas is examined, and the extent to which these lands are managed for protection of their natural resources is explored. The most serious current anthropogenic threats to owls and their habitats are discussed, as are potential impacts on owls from global climate change. In light of these documented and perceived threats, A. stygius and B. virginianus mayensis are the most vulnerable, the former from potential forest fires, bark beetle infestations, timber extraction, and land clearing for milpas, and the latter because of its very limited distribution in Belize, its small world population, and uncertainties about the viability of its source population in the Yucatan Peninsula. Protection of owl habitats through improved management and patrolling of the country's vast network of protected areas, better enforcement of its environmental laws and regulations, and expanded environmental education programs appears at this time to be the most effective conservation strategies for owls in Belize.