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. أيها المصورون المغاربة، الحذر ثم الحذر!
البومة مهددة أصلًا، لا سيما بسبب فقدان الموائل، لكن سلوككم المتهور وغير المسؤول 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, especially during the breeding season, caused by birdwatchers and photographers also constitutes a major threat that further aggravates 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.
