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Genetic Confirmation of Predation of an Adult Female Eastern Spotted Skunk by a Barred Owl

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Author(s)
Hassler, Kendyl N.
Kessinger, Brin E.
Harms, Caroline E.
Price, Lucas E.
Barton, Ethan P.
Oxenrider, Kevin J.
Rogers, Rich E.
Pearce, Kelly J.
Serfass, Thomas L.
Welsh, Amy B.
Date Issued
August 13, 2021
Abstract
Avian predation is a primary cause of mortality for Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) and is generally attributed to Bubo virginianus (Great Horned Owl). We report the first confirmed avian predation of an Eastern Spotted Skunk by a Strix varia (Barred Owl). The radio-collar of an adult female Eastern Spotted Skunk was recovered alongside an owl pellet containing Eastern Spotted Skunk remains in eastern West Virginia. DNA sampled from the surface of the pellet was amplified, sequenced, and compared to known Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl sequences. Differences in 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms confirmed a Barred Owl produced the pellet. Our findings show Barred Owls are at least occasionally an avian predator of this species in eastern forest ecosystems.
Journal
Southeastern Naturalist
Department
Environmental Science / Studies
Citation
Kendyl N. Hassler, Brin E. Kessinger, Caroline E. Harms, Lucas E. Price, Ethan P. Barton, Kevin J. Oxenrider, Rich E. Rogers, Kelly J. Pearce, Thomas L. Serfass, Amy B. Welsh "Genetic Confirmation of Predation of an Adult Female Eastern Spotted Skunk by a Barred Owl," Southeastern Naturalist, 20(sp11), 110-118, (13 August 2021)
Publisher
Eagle Hill Publications
Version of Article
Published article
DOI
10.1656/058.020.0sp1111
ISSN
1528-7092
1938-5412
Rights
The publisher, Eagle Hill Institute reserves the copyright to all its publications. Any reproduction, other than for an individual's own personal and private use, or distribution of journal content is prohibited without written permission from Eagle Hill Institute.
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