Chapter 5 - Distribution, Population Estimates and Trends

Summary

In this chapter, we examine aspects of distribution and population in the Little Owl for its global range which covers 78 countries. Recent publications give an overview of population numbers and short- and long-term breeding population and breeding distribution trends for the EU28 and for continental Europe. The European Union (EU28) Red List assessments are based principally on the official data reported by EU Member States to the European Commission under Article 12 of the Birds Directive. In addition, population status and trends are assessed at the EU level. Data outside the European continent are obtained from individual publications. In very general terms, all cumulative data suggests that the global distribution of the Little Owl has increased in 12 countries, decreased in 10, remained unchanged in 25 or was insufficient for determination in 31 countries. For population numbers, the data suggests that the number of owls increased in 12 countries, decreased in 10, remained unchanged in 23 or was insufficient for determination in 33 countries. The global distribution and some limiting factors like latitude and elevation, are mapped, as well as European population numbers and short- and long-term trends. For each country we focus on the population estimates for currently existing populations and present distribution maps when available.