Global assessment of ecosystem services and disservices associated with owls

Abstract

Understanding the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity can be useful for its protection and for maintaining ecosystem health and human wellbeing. Although several studies have focused on services provided by some birds, little is known about the role of nocturnal top predators, such as owls (order Strigiformes), as ecosystem services providers. Given that few articles specifically evaluated owl ecosystem services, we reviewed published scientific information on the ecology and natural history of owls to assess their role as providers of ecosystem services and disservices worldwide. Our literature review revealed that owls provide a wide range of ecosystem services and, to a lesser extent, disservices. Regulating ecosystem services were the most frequently reported category (81.8 %), followed by cultural and provisioning ecosystem services, together accounting for 18.2 % of the analyzed articles. Half the studies were conducted in Europe (50 %), followed by South America (19.8 %) and North America (12.5 %); the remaining regions accounted for 17.7 %. The most studied genera were Tyto spp. (63.9 %) and Asio spp. (11.5 %), with regulating ecosystem services being the primary category reported for both genera. Owl ecosystem disservices were few in comparison with the number of ecosystem services. Negative perceptions promote the persecution and killing of owls, affecting their conservation and the services they provide. Owls play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations,aiding in disease control, and enriching cultural and scientific knowledge.