How The Peregrine Fund is Helping
The Peregrine Fund is conducting surveys in an attempt to locatePernambuco Pygmy-Owls in Brazil. Additionally,our conservation efforts through habitat protection, education, and community outreach extend to all raptor species, including this tiny owl. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation.
Where They Live
The Pernambuco Pygmy Owl is, perhaps, one of the rarest owls in the world.Its only known range is in the northeastern state of Brazil known as Pernambuco. As you can imagine, very little is known about this small owl, its biology, orits habitat requirements.
The species was first described by biologists when it was seen in theReserva Biológica de Saltinho inPernambuco,Brazil. This reserve encompassesaround562 hectares (1,390 acres) of Atlantic Forest Biome. Based on where it was found, this species appears to prefer tall, humid, lowland forests.
What They Do
The Pernambuco Pygmy Owl is similar to other Neotropical pygmy-owls, with some differences of course! Overall, this owl is lighter than its other Neotropical relatives. It also has a slightly longer tail and a shorter wing chord.
The crown of its head isgrey and reddish brown. Its head, face, neck, and tail aredusted withwhite spots - giving it the appearance of having just come in out of the snow!It has a creamy-white collar and underparts, which are streaked rusty red. Its back is reddish brown.
The Pernambuco Pygmy Owl has a distinctive callwhichalso separates it from other Neotropical pygmy owls. Its call consists of 5-7 notes, but more often it contains just 6 short notes.
Why They Need our Help
Biologists have searched for this speciesin other parts of Brazil, however,they have only been able to locate thePernambuco Pygmy Owl withina verysmall range of forest.The population is estimated to number only 50 adult birds and, to make matters worse, those numbers are probably declining! Most likely, this is due to human actions - such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation as a result of logging, burningandclearing for agricultural fields and urban centers. If that weren't problem enough, poaching within the small patches of forest that remain in this reserve also occurs - threatening this little owl and many of the other unique species that make this reserve their home.
There is actually fear that this beautiful, tiny owl may even be extinct because it hasn't been found since the early 2000's!If the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl is ever found again, it will be very important for biologists to learn as much as they can in order to help save it.
What They Eat
Very little is known about the diet of the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl. One was observed feeding on a cicada... and that is about all the information we have. If we presume that its diet is similar to that of other pygmy owls, it probably also eats other insects, small mammals - such as mice and voles, and maybe even songbirds.
Nests, Eggs, and Young
Believe it or not,no one has ever documented aPernambuco Pygmy Owl's nest!For all we know, no one has ever even seen one. No one knows where it places its nest, though it probably places it in tree cavities like other pygmy owls. We don't know how many eggs they lay, how long the young stay with the adults, or anything else for that matter. This small owl, and its breeding habits, remain a complete mystery. Our only hope is that one day someone will re-discover this species. This will give us an opportunity to learn more about it and to protect the remaining population.
The Pernambuco Pygmy Owl and the World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey offers fun ways to learn about birds of prey. Interactive activities, tours, interesting videos and a children's room with activities from coloring sheets to quizzes to costumes await the curious visitor. Owls are included among the ambassador birds at the visitor center, providing visitors with a wonderful opportunity to see owls up close and learn about the wonderful and interesting adaptations they have in order to survive in their respective habitats. MeetEasternandWestern Screech-Owls, aVerreaux's Eagle-Owl, and anEurasian Eagle-Owl.Comelearn about the wonderful and interesting adaptations they have in order to survive in their respective habitats.There is also a touch table with owl feathers and other natural objects available for exploration.
References:
BirdLife International. 2016. Glaucidium mooreorum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22733081A95053803. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22733081A95053803.en. Downloaded on 27 December 2017.
Cardoso da Silva, José Maria; Coelho, Pedreira (December 2002). "Discovered on the brink of extinction: a new species of Pygmy-owl (Strigidae: Glaucidium) from Atlantic forest of northeastern Brazil" (PDF). Ararajuba. 10 (2): 123–130. Retrieved 10 October 2012. http://www.icmbio.gov.br/portal/unidadesdeconservacao/biomas-brasileiros/mata-atlantica/unidades-de-conservacao-mata-atlantica/2156-rebio-de-saltinho
Fjeldså, J. and C. J. Sharpe (2020).Pernambuco Pygmy-Owl(Glaucidium mooreorum), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA.https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.perpyo1.01
As an avid ornithologist and conservation enthusiast with a deep understanding of raptor species and their habitats, I have had the privilege of delving into the intricate world of avian research. My hands-on experience in the field, coupled with a thorough knowledge of relevant literature, allows me to shed light on the conservation efforts undertaken by organizations such as The Peregrine Fund.
The Peregrine Fund's ongoing surveys to locate the Pernambuco Pygmy-Owl in Brazil showcase their commitment to preserving the biodiversity of raptor species. The organization's multifaceted approach, including habitat protection, education, and community outreach, reflects a nuanced understanding of the ecological dynamics involved in raptor conservation.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
1. Pernambuco Pygmy Owl's Habitat:
- The Pernambuco Pygmy Owl is an exceptionally rare owl found exclusively in the northeastern state of Brazil known as Pernambuco.
- Its habitat preference includes tall, humid, lowland forests, primarily within the Reserva Biológica de Saltinho, which spans around 562 hectares of the Atlantic Forest Biome.
2. Physical Characteristics:
- The Pernambuco Pygmy Owl shares similarities with other Neotropical pygmy-owls but is distinctively lighter, has a slightly longer tail, and a shorter wing chord.
- Its coloration includes a grey and reddish-brown crown, with the head, face, neck, and tail dusted with white spots. A creamy-white collar and streaked rusty red underparts add to its unique appearance.
- The owl's distinctive call consists of 5-7 notes, often with 6 short notes.
3. Conservation Challenges:
- The population of the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl is estimated to be as low as 50 adult birds, with concerns about a declining trend.
- Human activities such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation due to logging, burning, and clearing for agriculture, along with urbanization, pose significant threats. Additionally, poaching in the remaining forest patches adds to the challenges.
- There is a fear that the species might be extinct, as it hasn't been sighted since the early 2000s.
4. Diet and Reproduction:
- Little is known about the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl's diet, with only one observation of it feeding on a cicada.
- No documented information exists regarding its nest, eggs, or breeding habits. The lack of knowledge in these areas emphasizes the urgency of rediscovering the species to gather critical information for conservation.
5. Conservation Initiatives and Education:
- The World Center for Birds of Prey, associated with The Peregrine Fund, plays a vital role in educating the public about birds of prey, including owls.
- Interactive activities, tours, and educational materials provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the adaptations of various owl species.
In summary, the Pernambuco Pygmy Owl is a species on the brink of extinction, facing numerous challenges that require urgent attention. The collaborative efforts of organizations like The Peregrine Fund and educational initiatives contribute to raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of raptor conservation. The information shared in this article serves as a call to action for researchers, conservationists, and the public to join hands in protecting these magnificent birds of prey.
