Scops Owl: Grand Comoro

 

Owls have symbolized wisdom for centuries, dating back to their association with Athena, the Roman goddess of wisdom. One look into the face of the owl above and their condescension and attitude of knowledge is immediately felt. Yet humanity needs some of this wisdom as the actions of man have contributed to the endangerment of many species of owl. Among these endangered species are numerous species of the Scops-Owl. One such species is the Karthala Scops-Owl.

The Karthala Scops-Owl is also known as Grand Comoro Scops-Owl or scientifically as Otus pauliani. As the pictures depict, the Grand Comoro Scops-Owl is a small owl (20-22 cm) with grey-brown feathers and yellow eyes. Like the other Scops-Owls, it preys on insects and the occasional small mammal, hunting nocturnally. The Karthala Scops-Owl only lives in one region- the active volcano, Mr. Karthala, on the island of Grand Comoro off of the eastern coast of Africa.

These little owls are considered Critically Endangered partially due to their highly restricted area. As mentioned earlier, they only live in one region, Mt. Karthala. However their decline has been acerbated by the rapid deforestation of Grand Comoro. This deforestation is caused by spreading agriculture and the island’s increasing human population. The estimated population is roughly 2,000 Karthala Scops-Owls in existence, with only 1,300 of those as mature, breeding owls. Their decline is expected to continue at 1-19% in the next ten years. Over the last thirty years, their suitable habitat has already declined by 25%.

There are no large predators of Comoros islands beside seals on the shoreline. Since the Karthala Scops-Owl lives high in the tree line of Grand Comoro, favoring hollow trees, they have no predators. The small owl is a predator itself, preying primarily on small insects and the occasional small mammal. Their small, weak beaks and talons suggest they frequently eat invertebrates. Despite their primarily insect diet, they remain the apex predator of the Grand Comoro ecosystem as they have no predators and prey on smaller animals. 

Due to their role as an insect predator, these little owls are a crucial element to the control of insect population.  They are not the only nocturnal apex predator as the Comoros Islands habitat three species of bat as well. However, the owls live in a highly concentrated area and contribute an estimated 1,300 nightly hunters to the ecosystem. Without those nightly mouths to feed, the ecosystem’s insect population would hypothetically increase, effecting the flora of the ecosystem as insects are primarily herbivores. Effectively the loss of the Karthala Scops-Owl would seriously impact the entire ecosystem of the Grand Comoro Island.

 Luckily, others have realized the need to save the Karthala Scops-Owl.

There have been suggestions to implement a protected area on Ms. Karthala to protect the animals. Planning began in 2012 to initiate these suggestions. The conservation actions proposed include: research on the area to aide conservation, the creation of a protected area, the development of a non-destructive agricultural strategy, the encouragement of ecotourism and an environmental education program to promote awareness. Despite all these great ideas, they are still in the initial stages and desperately need greater support and awareness.

If you found yourself wishing that this little owl could keep his little ecosystem, here are some actions you can take to help:

1. Spread awareness! Since the Karthala Scops-Owl inhabits such a small region of the world, there is little public awareness about its plight. 
2. Write to World Wildlife Fund to suggest greater publicity for the Karthala Scops-Owl.
3. Make sure your travels are eco-friendly. One of the issues facing the Karthala Scops-Owl is the tourist developments in its area. Even if you are not visiting the beautiful Comoros Islands, make sure your travels do not negatively impact the environment you're visiting.
4. Buy from conscientious brands that do not support deforestation. The Karthala Scops-Owl's small home is quickly being deforested to accommodate the island's agriculture, some of which is exported to countries around the world.
5. Donate to the World Wildlife Fund, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, or the Defenders of Wildlife. 

Sources:

• "Otus pauliana" IUCN Red List. Web. July 13 2014. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22688694/0 
• "Grand Comoro Scops-owl" Bird Life International. Web. July 13 2014. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=2184