In a master's thesis, we used geographic information systems to find new potential nesting sites of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) in the Kočevje and Ribnica
municipalities study area. The suitability for potential nesting sites was predicted based on nine selected criteria: slope, elevation, aspect, distance to hunting grounds, paved roads, unpaved roads and buildings, habitat fragmentation and extent of forest area. Parameters of all factors were determined by analysing registered nesting sites and its surroundings in Slovenia. Modelling was conducted using the procedure of Multi-Criteria Evaluation, in which we used Weighted Linear Combination method. The results of new potential nesting sites were introduced as a reclassified map of area suitability, where the most suitable areas were being examined on the field. Suitability model gave us six most suitable areas. At three of those yet unregistered Eurasian eagle-owl presence was confirmed and at another area we presume its presence.
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