Moheli scops owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moheli scops owl |
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The Moheli scops owl (Otus moheliensis) is a small type of owl. It lives only on the island of Mohéli, which is part of the Comoro Islands. This special owl is found nowhere else in the world!
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About the Moheli Scops Owl
The Moheli scops owl can look a bit different from one owl to another. It has two main color types, called "morphs."
- One morph is reddish-brown. This one has faint dark lines and stripes on its feathers.
- The other morph is a darker brown. This one has bolder lines and wavy patterns.
Both types of owls have yellow-green eyes. Their legs are grey, and their beaks are black. These owls are about 22 cm (8.7 in) long. That's about the length of a ruler!
What Sounds Does It Make?
The Moheli scops owl is quite noisy. It makes hissing whistles and screeches. It often calls out in a series of five notes.
Where It Lives and Its Home
This owl lives only on the mountain in the middle of Mohéli island. Its total home area is about 21 km2 (8.1 sq mi). This includes the highest part of the mountain ridge, which is about 790 m (2,590 ft) high.
The owl lives in thick, wet forests. These forests have many epiphytes. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, like trees, but don't harm them. The owl's home is found between 450 and 790 m (1,480 and 2,590 ft) up the mountain.
How It Behaves
The Moheli scops owl is a nocturnal animal. This means it is active only after the sun goes down. It rests during the day. Owls that are calling out have been heard in September. These owls likely eat mostly insects.
Why It Needs Our Help
Scientists only officially described this owl in 1998. There are not many of them left. Experts believe there are only about 400 Moheli scops owls. Because of this, it is listed as critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
The main reason it's in danger is that its home is very small. Also, the forest where it lives is being cut down very quickly. In 1995, only five percent of the island still had its original, thick, wet forest.
Other dangers to the Moheli scops owl include hunting. Also, black rats are a problem. These rats might eat the owl's eggs and young. They also compete with the owls for food. Right now, the mountain forest where the Moheli scops owl lives is not a protected area.
