Moheli Scops-owl (Otus moheliensis)
Justification This newly-discovered scops-owl is classified as Critical since it has an extremely small range, occurring on only one mountain. There has been a continuing decline in the area and quality of habitat, from which it is inferred that there has been a continuing decline in its extent of occurrence, area of occupancy and the number of mature individuals.
Identification 20-22 cm. Small owl. Two colour forms. Rufous form is bright orangey-buff with unusually reduced barring and streaks. Brown morph is darker and heavily streaked and vermiculated. Voice Described as hissing whistles and screeches.
Taxonomy The presence of scops-owls on this island had been suspected for some time and was confirmed in 1995-1996. They are distinct in a combination of characteristics, in particular of plumage and call, and thus recognised as a new species.
Population estimate 400
Range & Population Otus moheliensis is endemic to Mohin the Comoro Islands. It is relatively abundant˜its density has been estimated at one individual per 5 ha of near-primary forest (c.10 km2) and one individual per 10 ha of degraded forest, giving a total population in the order of 400,. It is thought to be declining due to habitat destruction.
Ecology It is found in dense, humid forest, which remains only on the central mountain peak and its upper slopes. It is common in intact forest, but less so in forest underplanted for agriculture.
Threats By 1995, intact, dense, humid forest remained on only 5% of the island, owing primarily to conversion for subsistence agriculture underplanting, clear-felling and cultivation, and abandonment of sparsely vegetated land, which is highly susceptible to erosion and landslides. Invasive exotic plant species, such as jamrosa Syzygium jambos, Lantana camara and Clidemia hirta, are abundant in the forest and are degrading the native habitat. Hunting probably affects this species. Introduced species including rats, are common, and may compete with O. moheliensis for food or predate its nests
