Romblon boobook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Romblon boobook |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ninox
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| Species: |
spilonotus
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The Romblon boobook (also called the Romblon hawk-owl) is a special type of owl. Its scientific name is Ninox spilonotus. This owl lives only in the Philippines. You can find it on the islands of Tablas, Sibuyan, and Romblon.
Before 2012, people thought the Romblon boobook was just a kind of Philippine hawk-owl. But scientists listened to its calls and found other clues. They realized it was its own unique species. This owl likes to live in warm, wet forests close to the ground. Sadly, its home is shrinking, which puts it in danger.
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What Does the Romblon Boobook Look Like?
The Romblon boobook is a medium-sized owl. It is not very common to see. It lives in forests on the islands of Tablas, Romblon, and Sibuyan. Its upper body, chest, and head are dark brown. They have faint stripes. Its belly is a reddish-brown color.
This owl has long "whiskers" around its face. It also has bright yellow eyes. The Romblon boobook does not have ear tufts, which are feather tufts that look like ears on some owls. Both male and female owls look very similar.
The Romblon boobook is probably the only owl in its area. The Mantanani scops-owl is another owl, but it is gray. The Romblon boobook is more reddish. It also does not have a black line around its face like the Mantanani scops-owl.
How Big Are Romblon Boobooks?
The Romblon boobook is one of the biggest owls in the Philippine hawk-owl group. It can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall. Other owls in this group, like the Luzon boobook and Mindanao boobook, are much smaller. They are usually between 15 to 20 centimeters (about 6 to 8 inches) tall.
Different Types of Romblon Boobooks
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Romblon boobook:
- Ninox spilonotus spilonotus (found on Sibuyan) - This type is larger. Its call sounds more like a hiss.
- Ninox spilonotus fischeri (found on Tablas) - This type is smaller. Its call is more raspy.
Where Do Romblon Boobooks Live?
Romblon boobooks live in warm, wet lowland forests. They also live in secondary forests. These are forests that have grown back after being cut down. They can be found up to 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) above sea level.
Why is the Romblon Boobook in Danger?
The Romblon boobook is an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Scientists believe there are only about 250 to 999 adult owls left.
The biggest danger to these owls is the loss of their habitat. Their forest homes are being cleared away. This happens because of:
- Logging: Trees are cut down legally and illegally.
- Mining: Land is dug up to find minerals.
- Farming: Forests are turned into farms, sometimes using a method called "slash-and-burn."
- Cities: More areas are being built up for people to live in.
Some areas where these owls live are supposed to be protected. For example, Mount Guiting-Guiting is a protected area. But sometimes, logging still happens there. Mount Palaupau is also important. It helps provide water for Tablas Island.
Right now, there isn't a special plan just for saving the Romblon boobook.
