[order] STRIGIFORMES | [family] Strigidae | [latin] Otus pauliani | [authority] Benson, 1960 | [UK] Grand Comoro Scops Owl | [FR] Petit-duc du Karthala | [DE] Komoreneule | [ES] Autillo de las Comores | [NL] Grote Comoro-schreeuwuil
Subspecies
Monotypic species
Genus
Members of the genus Otus are the Scops and Screech owls. They are relatively small owls, with short, rounded wings. Most have erectile ear-tufts. Otus is a worldwide genus, containing some 45 species.
Physical charateristics
Small owl. Only one colour form: greyish-brown, heavily barred, streaked and vermiculated. Bright yellow eyes. Voice Whistled toot given at one-second intervals
| wingspan min.: | 0 | cm | wingspan max.: | 0 | cm |
| size min.: | 15 | cm | size max.: | 20 | cm |
| incubation min.: | 0 | days | incubation max.: | 0 | days |
| fledging min.: | 0 | days | fledging max.: | 0 | days |
| broods: | 0 | eggs min.: | 0 | ||
| eggs max.: | 0 |
Range
Africa : Grand Comore Islands, Comoros
Habitat
This species occurs from 650 m upwards to the tree line6. It is territorial, occurring in primary, montane, evergreen forest, favouring areas with old hollow trees, but is also found in “pioneer forest”; (forest that grows on rocky soils)`
Reproduction
Builds nest in cavity, highly territorial in its 5 ha teeritory.
Feeding habits
Probably insects, male’s weak talons suggest feeding on invertebrates
Conservation
This species is classified as Critically Endangered since it has an extremely small range, occurring at only one location, an active volcano where clearance of forest for agriculture by the island’s large and increasing human population is causing a continuing decline in the area of suitable habitat, and thus its extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and population.
Otus pauliani is found only on Mt Karthala, an active volcano on Grand Comoro (= Ngazidja), in the Comoro Islands. In November 1989, studies revealed its presence on the northern, western and southern flanks of the volcano where about 100 km2 of suitable habitat exists, and the population may prove to be over 1,000 pairs1. In September 2005, the species was found to be abundant on the south-eastern flanks of the Karthala which may increase the population estimate
Otus pauliani is found only on Mt Karthala, an active volcano on Grand Comoro (= Ngazidja), in the Comoro Islands. In November 1989, studies revealed its presence on the northern, western and southern flanks of the volcano where about 100 km2 of suitable habitat exists, and the population may prove to be over 1,000 pairs1. In September 2005, the species was found to be abundant on the south-eastern flanks of the Karthala which may increase the population estimate
Migration
Resident.
Distribution map
