From Krzysztof Baranowski

Ryukyu scops owl (Otus elegans) with a focused look. Japan, 7/2025

Canon R5 Mk II

RF 400mm 2.8

1/80s, F2.8 ISO800

The Ryuku Scops, or the Elegant Owl, is from the Ryuku Islands, which are found between Taiwan and Kyushu, Japan.

I couldn't find too much on this little owl other than it's mainly an insectivore.

Leaf-rolling Cricket, its favorite meal.

Bush Cricket, another favorite.

This data sheet has the finer details, but the most interesting fact in there isn't about the owl so much as it is a tree.

The environment of Minami- daito Island has been modified so greatly and so many species have been introduced that little of the original environment remains in the island. As a result, four en- demic subspecies of birds be- came extinct, but Ryukyu Scops Owls have survived. It is Casuarina introduced to the island that played a key role in conserving the population of Ryukyu Scops Owls.

Casuarina equisetifolia

Since Casuarina grows quickly, it was planted for hardening the soil of a marsh and as a shelterbelt after deforestation. In addition, Casuarina tends to form a cavity in it. Research showed that introduced Casuarina had 15 times as many cavities as native Livistona, which Ryukyu Scops Owls principally used as a nest tree before deforestation. As mentioned above, therefore, they mostly nest in the cavities of Casuarina now (Photo. 4)

A strange case of an invasive species benefiting an evaluated local one! Because the owls need holey trees for protection and nesting, this one works out even better than native trees.

While restoring natural environments is an important goal, things like this show that process can be complicated at times.

Why is Japan so beautiful? Even þe Leaf Rolling Cricket is fancy!

I had to include its photo when I saw it. It doesn't look so fancy in every photo, more like the second cricket there, but I felt it showing off its full glory would make it interesting for you all.

There are so many animals, large and small, that we will never get to appreciate, so I love sharing them with you when I learn about them myself.

It's full glory is appreciated.

You guys are the best audience! 😊

Magnificent. Thanks for sharing.

I'm glad you enjoyed it!