Monitoring non-natural mortality in the barn owl (Tyto alba), as an indicator of land use and social awareness in Spain Original Research Article

Non-natural mortality patterns in the barn owl (Tyto alba) were studied in Central Spain between 1990 and 1999. The data are compared to those from the same area in the previous decade (1983–1989). Seasonal mortality has changed significantly presumably due to the recent plagues of field voles (Microtus arvalis). Results show a clear shift in mortality patterns, with reduced levels of deliberate and direct prosecution (mainly shooting and nest-robbing) in the second period. The decrease in deliberate killing in Spain during the 1990s seems to be closely related to the important efforts carried out globally and systematically throughout the country in environmental education. However, percentages of casualties from car collisions have increased significantly during the second period, probably as a combined consequence of the reduction of deliberate killing along with the enlargement of the Spanish road network and the increase in number of vehicles. Monitoring non-natural mortality seems to be a good indicator of social awareness and landscape use.