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Sceloglaux albifacies, laughing owl
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Sceloglaux albifacies, laughing owl
This owl, native only to New Zealand, became extinct in c. 1914, probably due to deforestation and the disappearance of its favourite prey the Kiori rat. Artist unknown
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Media ID 8618833
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10712159
Australasia Bird Of Prey Deforestation Endemic Environmental Environmental Impact Epitheria Eutheria Habitat Hunter Mammalia Mottled Muridae Murinae Muroidea Myomorpha New Zealand Nocturnal Old World Mouse
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative illustration captures the enigmatic and melancholic presence of the Sceloglaux albifacies, or the Laughing Owl, a native bird of New Zealand that became extinct around 1914. The owl is depicted on the ground, hunched and focused, its piercing yellow eyes scanning its surroundings with unwavering intensity. Its mottled, brown, and long feathers blend seamlessly with the forest floor, making it nearly invisible to predators and unsuspecting prey. The Laughing Owl was an endemic avian species, meaning it was found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, its demise is believed to be a result of deforestation and the disappearance of its primary prey, the Kiori rat. The loss of habitat and food source led to the decline and eventual extinction of this remarkable bird of prey. This illustration serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental impact of human activities on native wildlife. The Laughing Owl, once a vital component of the unique ecosystems of New Zealand and Australasia, is now a symbol of the irreplaceable biodiversity that has been lost. Its haunting cry, once a familiar sound in the night, is now only heard in the annals of history. The Laughing Owl was part of the order Strigiformes, the order of birds of prey that includes owls, and was classified as a member of the families Strigidae, Muridae, Eutheria, Myomorpha, Murinae, and Muroidea. It was also known as an old world mouse, as its taxonomic classification places it in the order Rodentia, which includes mice and rats. This illustration is a poignant testament to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
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