Last 11 November 2019, a dead grass owl was surrendered to the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG). “Tito” as we named the African grass owl (Tyto capensis), became the newest resident of our Rainforest Biodiversity Diorama.
The African grass owl is a medium-sized owl with long legs and no ear-tufts. It is also known as the Common Grass Owl. It is nocturnal and is rarely seen flying during the day. It perches during daytime on the ground in tall, rank grass where it creates rounded platforms and tunnels by flattening down the surrounding grass.
Mr. Marvin Jay R. Sarmiento, a Wildlife Biologist, performed the taxidermy of the grass owl. The MBG’s Rainforest Biodiversity Diorama features the typical forest fauna and flora inside the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP).
By: Angela A. Limpiada
Photos credit to: Angela A. Limpiada