Mount Karthala White-eye
Zosterops mouroniensis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karthala_white-eye
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Mount Karthala White-eye faces severe threats from volcanic activity on its home volcano, with eruptions destroying critical forest habitat and potentially eliminating local populations. Invasive plant species are degrading the native forest understory where the species forages, while agricultural expansion and human settlement continue to fragment its already limited montane habitat. Climate change poses an additional long-term threat by shifting suitable habitat zones upslope on the volcano's limited terrain.
Habitat
This species is endemic to the montane forests of Mount Karthala volcano on Grande Comore island, typically found in native forest canopy and understory between 1,000-2,300 meters elevation. It inhabits both primary and secondary forest areas, showing preference for areas with dense vegetation and native plant species that provide insects and small fruits for foraging.
Other threatened species in Zosteropidae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mount Karthala White-eye classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Mount Karthala White-eye live?
What are the main threats to Mount Karthala White-eye?
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