Newsletter / Blog
2012-08-20 New owl species discovered in the Philippines
Scientists and
birdwatchers have discovered 10 new owl species in the Philippines. Eight
of the new species were previously considered sub-species while two are totally
new. According to Lisa Paguntalan, field director of Philippines Biodiversity
Conservation Programme, there is no significant variation in owls form, but the
sound difference of their calls is very significant in distinguishing between
species. All of these new species were possibly endangered because they were
found only in small isolated islands or in tiny pockets of forests.
Ornithologists
and birdwatchers from Michigan
State University,
Birdlife International and other groups used museum samples and high-quality
photography and recording systems to show the owls were of different species. The
research took 10 years but the results were only announced after
coordination between the various groups. The two new species are the Cebu hawk
owl and the Camiguin hawk owl, found in the central Philippine islands of Cebu and Camiguin. The Philippines is an archipelago of
more than 7 000 islands with diverse animal species evolving in different
parts of the country but many of these unique species are threatened by
destruction of their habitat.
Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you to see these Owls
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