Moroccan Marsh Owl is on the brink – Photographers, beware!

Today is the International Owl Awareness Day. Let’s talk about one of the most endangered species in Morocco; and address a taboo that many local photographers still refuse to acknowledge.

بومة المستنقعات المغربية على حافة الانقراض! 

بمناسبة اليوم العالمي للتحسيس بالبوم وأهميته البيئية، نوجه نداء إلى مراقبي الطيور ومصوري الحياة البرية، وخاصة المغاربة: لا تساهموا في انقراض بومة المستنقعات المغربية بسلوككم غير الأخلاقي وغير المسؤول. البومة مهددة أصلًا، لا سيما بسبب فقدان الموائل، لكن تهوركم يزيد الوضع سوءًا.

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Morocco is home to eight owl species. But one of them, the Moroccan Marsh Owl (Asio capensis tingitanus), is critically endangered. And as its name indicates, it’s an endemic subspecies to Morocco.

Its decline, in both numbers and range, has been driven mainly by habitat loss and degradation, especially the conversion of wetlands for agriculture. Disturbance caused by birdwatchers and photographers also constitutes a major threat that further exacerbates an already alarming situation.

Over 13 years ago, I wrote an article warning about this issue [Marsh Owl in Morocco: why it’s endangered and how to save it?]. Sadly, the situation hasn’t improved. If anything, it’s got worse.

Back then, there were few Moroccan photographers, and the article was essentially meant for foreign birdwatchers and photographers.

Today, too many Moroccan photographers are recklessly chasing rare birds for social media attention. Concerning the Marsh Owl, we’re seeing cases of photographers spending hours disturbing nesting owls, just to capture the “perfect shot” and to collect social media likes.

This is clearly irresponsible and unethical. It’s time to stop.

Of course, what’s said here and in the original article still applies to foreign birdwatchers, bird guides and photographers.

Note:

As in everything in life, there are always exceptions.

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