(ENG version follows)

【環境監察員 — 貓頭鷹】

之前介紹過本地貓頭鷹，大家又知唔知貓頭鷹對生態系統有幾重要呢？

事實上，貓頭鷹係一種重要嘅「指標物種」，能反映棲息地環境現況。

由於貓頭鷹處於食物鏈頂層，專門捕食各種細小獵物，如其他鳥類、小型哺乳類動物及魚類等，所以棲息地環境需要保持健康、提供足夠食物，先可以吸引貓頭鷹覓食及繁殖。同時，貓頭鷹對棲息地要求相當高，需要有適合築巢及狩獵嘅樹木，才可吸引佢地嚟定居。

因此，透過監測及研究貓頭鷹族群分佈，就可了解更多有關大嶼山環境健康狀況、生物多樣性程度。通過持續分析貓頭鷹族群分佈、數量變化，亦可以反映環境健康狀況嘅變化。

*此計劃由 #大嶼山保育基金 贊助

[Owls - Important “Indicator Species”]

We have introduced the local owls to you before, but do you know the importance of owls to the ecosystem?

Owls are actually important “indicator species”. They are at the top of the food chain, specializing in hunting various small prey, such as other birds, small mammals and fishes, etc. Only when a habitat is healthy, can it provide enough food to attract owls to forage and breed. At the same time, owls have very high requirements for their habitat. They need suitable trees for nesting and perching for hunting, to attract them to call it home.

Therefore, by monitoring and studying the distribution of owl populations, we can understand more about the environmental health and biodiversity of Lantau Island. And by conducting continuous owl surveys, analyzing their distribution and numbers, whether they have risen or fallen, we can also know the changes in environmental health.

This project is funded by #LantauConservationFund

#香港觀鳥會 #HKBWS #鳥類保育 #自然保育 #可持續大嶼