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The owls of Ecuador

Abstract:

Species richness of owls (Strigiformes) in Ecuador is remarkably high (28 species) despite its small territory (c. 280,000 km2). This diversity is not evenly distributed across mainland Ecuador, with higher species richness in tropical areas, humid forests, and pristine habitats. Only two species occur in the Galapagos Islands. Although there are no species endemic to Ecuador, the distribution ranges of at least five are primarily confined to Ecuador. The knowledge about Ecuadorian Strigiformes is insufficient. The natural history and distribution of the two Galapagos endemic taxa (Tyto alba punctatissima and Asio flammeus galapagoensis) have been fairly accurately documented. In contrast, little has been published on continental owl species. Currently, only two species are considered as globally threatened or near threatened and five as threatened at a national level. Nonetheless, poor knowledge about populations, habitat use, natural history, distribution, and vulnerability to extinction might have precluded accurate assessments of the conservation status of several species. We suggest further investigating the basic ecology, distribution, populations, and relationships with human of Ecuadorian owls, in order to better understand their current conservation status.