Africa's smallest owl. This is a highly range-restricted species found in Kenya's Arabuko-Sokoke forest and nearby satellite woodland at Dakatcha. There is a disjunct and rapidly declining population in Tanzania's East Usambara Mountains.

This hunting bird was located away from the roost site in dense Cynometra forest about 5 minutes walk from an elephant track in complete darkness. The bird was located by Mr David Ngala, an immensely talented A-S forest guide and conservationist. I still don't know how David was able to find this bird in complete darkness in the middle of nowhere! David's conservation work can be followed here: http://davidngala.wildlifedirect.org/