A technique for estimation of Barn Owl (Tyto alba stertens Hartert, 1929) prey biomass with special reference to mandible length-body weight ratio of small mammals

Abstract

An investigation was made to study the relationship between mandible length and body weight in six species of small mammals, which are the chief prey base of the Barn Owl Tyto alba. Regression equations for four species of rodent pests, B. bengalensis, M. meltada, T. indica and R. rattus are given for the quantification of prey biomass by using mandible length as a function of body weight. The prey biomass for S. murinus (40g) and M. booduga (12g) can be estimated by using mean body weight values.