Conservation status and vocal and morphological description of the Grand Comoro Scops Owl Otus pauliani Benson 1960

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Abstract
Summary: The Grand Comoro Scops Owl Otus pauliani, confined to forest on Mount Karthala on Grand Comoro, Indian Ocean, is a distinct species based on the evidence of its plumage and voice. In November 1989 studies of territorial calling birds at night revealed its presence between 1,000 and 1,900 m on the north, west and south flanks of the volcano, on which there exists some 10,000 ha of suitable habitat. As territory sizes may be only 5 ha, the population could well be over 1,000 pairs but, although this is encouraging, there remains a long-term threat from forest loss through habitat fragmentation (fires, logging) and the spread of the Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis.