**6. Conclusions**

Specific records of a predation event, whether in a stomach content or in field observation, could indicate preference or opportunism of an individual owl. Records of more prey, such as those obtained by pellets, could indicate local or temporal preferences of a population. The diet of owls is possibly the best-known aspect of their natural history, due in part to analyses of their pellets [40]. To date, we have a broad idea of prey selection by few species in Ecuador, but no idea about predator-prey interactions for any species. For example, we do not have studies of trophic ecology for any species of owl in Ecuador, developed over the long term in various habitats throughout its distribution. These studies analyze parameters, such as prey availability in the environment and the selectivity of the predator [9]. Most information published comes from anecdotal observations or from studies limited temporally and spatially, and we are still documenting the general aspects of natural history and distribution, but not yet assessing patterns and processes [34].

Rescue centers and/or zoos are the potential sources of relevant information that is currently being lost. Many recently captured or rescued owls arrive at these centers, and some might have prey in their stomachs, providing information on diet and digestion times [59], and in this way not only rescue individuals but also contribute to adding nature history information and eventually in real support for the conservation of the species. However, bureaucratic pitfalls and lack of trained personnel in the national environmental authority discourage research, also they do not store complete or useful information about their rescues, many rescued species are misidentified, and often several "rescues" are not actually needed since they are juveniles that recently abandoned their nest and are learning to fly; rescuing them results in taking them away from their parents and habitats.

It is important to continue publishing natural history reports, including, for example, visual or photographic records of specific predation events that can shed
