Athene Noctua Research Articles

Iris Yellowness Relates to Age and Individual Quality in Two Owl Species

Birds show huge variation in color displays evolved for communication. However, among colored phenotypic traits, eyes remain largely overlooked, with only a few studies suggesting a potential signaling function or a role in mate recognition and crypsis. Iris color is a remarkably striking feature in the wholly cryptic pattern of many owls, and may potentially play a signaling function, a possibility so far neglected. Here, we studied variation and potential signaling of iris yellowness as an indicator of quality in parent-offspring communication and other social contexts in the Little Owl (Athene noctua) and Eurasian Scops-Owl (Otus scops). Yellowness did not differ between the sexes; however, adults of the two species had more intensely yellow irises than owlets. Most of variation in iris yellowness of owlets occurred between rather than within nests and seemed to be linked to parental qualities of Little Owls, but was unrelated to condition among Eurasian Scops-Owl owlets. In adults, however, we found that iris yellowness of females was positively associated with nest success (an index of female fitness) in Little Owls, but not in Eurasian Scops-Owls. This study suggests that iris color variation is unlikely to play a role in parent-offspring communication for these two owl species, but that iris yellowness of female Little Owls may potentially play a signaling role in social contexts, a possibility that should be studied in the future.

Political borders impact associations between habitat suitability predictions and resource availability

ContextBy linking species of conservation concern to their abiotic and biotic requirements, habitat suitability models (HSM) can assist targeted conservation measures. Yet, conservation measures may fail if HSM are unable to predict crucial resources. HSM are typically developed using remotely sensed land-cover classification data but not information on resources per se.ObjectivesWhile a certain land-cover class may correlate with crucial resources in the area of calibration, political boundaries can abruptly alter these associations. We investigate this potential discrepancy in a well-known study system highly relevant for farmland bird conservation.MethodsWe compared land cover, land-use intensity and resource availability between plots of highest habitat suitability for little owls (Athene noctua) among two neighbouring, but politically separated areas (i.e. south-western Germany vs. northern Switzerland).ResultsLand cover and land-use richness did not differ between German and Swiss plots. Yet there were marked differences in terms of land-use intensity and the availability of resources. Land-use intensity was significantly higher and resource availability lower in Swiss compared to German plots.ConclusionsWhile accounting well for remotely sensed data such as land cover, HSM may fail to predict land-use intensity and resources across borders. The relationship between geodata used as proxies and ecologically relevant resources may differ according to history, policies and socio-cultural context, constraining the viability of HSM across political borders. This study emphasises the need for fine-scale resource assessments complementing landscape-scale suitability models. Conservation measures need to consider the availability of crucial resources and their socio-economic moderators to be effective.

Morphological and genetic characterisation of Centrorhynchus clitorideus (Meyer, 1931) (Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchidae) from the little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli) (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in Pakistan.

Centrorhynchus Lühe, 1911 is a large genus of acanthocephalans mainly parasitic in various strigiform and falconiform birds. Some species of Centrorhynchus have not been adequately described. Here, the detailed morphology of C. clitorideus (Meyer, 1931) was studied using light and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy, based on newly collected specimens from the little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli) (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in Pakistan. Partial sequences of the 18S and 28S nuclear ribosomal RNA genes and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of C. clitorideus were generated for the first time. No nucleotide variation was detected for the partial 18S and 28S regions, but 3.30% of intraspecific nucleotide divergence was found for the cox1 gene. Phylogenetic analyses based on 28S and 18S sequence data showed that C. clitorideus formed a sister relationship with Centrorhynchus sp. MGV-2005 or Centrorhynchus sp. MGV-2005 + C. microcephalus (Bravo-Hollis, 1947), respectively.

Little owl (Athene noctua) around human settlements and agricultural lands: Conservation and management enlightenments

Ecological studies have been focused on large, rare or endangered species but species which are adapted to traditional agroecosystems or rural environments received less attention. For example, Little owl is a typical inhabitant of agricultural lands and its population had greatly reduced due to the mechanized agriculture. In this paper, we built the first country level habitat suitability map for the little owl and identified the most influential environmental predictor of its distribution in Iran. We used species presence data (177 distribution points) and eight uncorrelated environmental variables to model the species suitable habitats using the maximum entropy approach (Maxent). Results showed that suitable habitats for this species are located in the northwest, parts of north east and southwest of Iran. Distance to forests, distance to human settlements and distance to agricultural lands are the most important determinants of the little owl distribution in Iran. Human migrations from rural areas to the cities and availability of many vacant human settlements surrounded by traditional and semi-modern agricultural landscapes produce suitable habitats for little owl in Iran.

Plumage coloration and morphometrics of the Little Owl Athene noctua in the Western Palearctic

The Little Owl is a species with a wide range in the Palearctic. Thirteen subspecies have been described based on small coloration or size differences. Recently, genetic studies in the western portion of the European range have shown the presence of some well distinct clades. We examined the variation in structural size and coloration of Western Palearctic birds, with particular attention to the pattern of light and dark pigmentation on the tail, and we checked for the presence of UV reflection through reflectance spectroscopy. We did not find clear-cut differences in size or plumage between the currently accepted subspecies, nor between individuals pertaining to the different genetic clade areas. There is a trend for individuals from the western genetic clade (Iberia, France, England and central Europe) to have longer tarsus with smaller wings, while individuals from the eastern generic clade (Balkans) have an opposite pattern. Italian birds are intermediate. The tail of Balkan birds has a wider dark pigmentation, with reduced light spots. Little owl feathers do not show reflectance in the UV part of the spectrum. We found a very large variation of morphological and color patterns between individuals collected in the same geographical area. Currently, the arrangement of individuals to any Little owls' subspecies on morphological data appears to be a very difficult task.

Maximizing detection probability for effective large‐scale nocturnal bird monitoring

AbstractAimOur specific objectives were to (a) estimate detection probabilities of nocturnal bird species, after taking into account survey‐specific covariates, and (b) investigate the influence of site‐specific covariates on owl and nightjar abundance, integrating effects of imperfect detection.InnovationWe conceived a survey protocol to estimate probabilities of detection and estimates of abundance of owls and nightjars in a large area, the Basque Country, northern Spain.Main ConclusionsOur results show that detection probability was strongly influenced by playback broadcast and by observer experience. Date irregularly affected species according to their reproductive periods, and we also found that vocal activity gradually diminished proportionally to the hour after sunset. Tawny owl (Strix aluco) was the most abundant and widely distributed species. Its abundance was positively related to forest areas (mainly pine timber forests) and decreased in large urban and agricultural areas. Open space species were less common. Barn owls (Tyto alba), little owls (Athene noctua), Eurasian scops owls (Otus scops) and long‐eared owls (Asio otus) avoided forest areas, but showed different responses to agriculture, grass‐fields, scrub and urban areas. Finally, European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) was moderately frequent, and its abundance was favoured by scrub areas and, weakly, by eucalyptus patches, whereas it was negatively affected by large forest areas. We have shown that it is fundamental to consider the effects of survey‐specific covariates in the methodology design and analytical development. Our results also indicate some ecological adaptations and population changes in the nocturnal bird community following an increase in urbanization and in the extent of timber plantations, and also the simplification of natural habitats.

Characterization of the complete mitogenome of Centrorhynchus clitorideus (Meyer, 1931) (Palaeacanthocephala: Centrorhynchidae), the largest mitochondrial genome in Acanthocephala, and its phylogenetic implications

Species of Centrorhynchus (Polymorphida: Centrorhynchidae) commonly parasitize various falconiform and strigiform birds worldwide. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences of Centrorhynchus clitorideus was sequenced and annotated for the first time based on specimens collected from the little owl Athene noctua (Scopoli) (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in Pakistan. The complete mt genome sequences of C. clitorideus is 15,884 bp in length, and contained 36 genes [two rRNA genes (rrnL and rrnS), 22 tRNA genes and 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs) (lacking atp8)] and two non-coding regions (NCR1 and NCR2), which represents the largest mt genome of acanthocephalan reported so far. In order to assess the systematic position of C. clitorideus and the interrelationship of the family Centrorhynchidae and the other families in order Polymorphida, the phylogenetic tree was constructed using Bayesian inference (BI) based on amino acid sequences of 12 PCGs. Phylogenetic results supported C. clitorideus formed a sister relationship to C. milvus in Centrorhynchidae, which has a sister relationship to the representatives of Polymorphidae + Plagiorhynchidae. Our results revealed the monophyly of Polymorphida and paraphyly of Echinorhynchida in the class Palaeacanthocephala. The validity of the genus Sphaerirostris (Polymorphida: Centrorhynchidae) was also challenged by our phylogenetic results, which seems to be a synonym of Centrorhynchus. Moreover, the present phylogenetic analysis indicated that the family Quadrigyridae and subfamily Pallisentinae (A. cheni and P. celatus) are polyphyletic.

Quantum Understanding of the Human Psyche Through the Psi Function of Auric Sensitivity

This research aimed to contribute in the ever growing insight about the human psyche. Specifically, it intended to compose an alternate perception derived from the compounded personal experiences of the researcher and the participants of this research on the psi function of auric sensitivity, processed and analyzed through the method of analysis of heuristic inquiry. Having conducted an empirical study using a heuristic inquiry approach, aided by a select quantum physics principles, the researcher arrived with a quantum understanding of the human psyche. The human psyche is being referred to the human’s total personality and the collection of processes that involved the whole human faculties. Essential part of the total human personality was the psi reality called the human aura, and the psi potential or function that was called auric sensitivity. As quantum physics would explain, the human aura was an energy filled enveloping us. As an energy in varying densities, forms, textures, and colors, it can be seen and felt especially with extra ordinary level of sensitivity which can be harnessed through the process of preternaturalization comprised of a cyclical mechanized step by step process and by embracing a lifestyle or spirituality that is appropriate to psi phenomena. Being concerned and sensitive with the human aura would give humanity one notch of benefits, better understanding, healing, and improving of oneself and others too.
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Resurrection of the genus Eumonospora (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) for Caryospora species without Stieda body.

The coccidian genus Eumonospora Allen, 1933 is re-established. Despite morphological features and host preference among species, coccidian with octasporozoic and monosporocystic oocysts are traditionally consider to belonging in the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Recently, the genus Avispora Schuster et al., 2016 was proposed for above caryosporoids parasitizing birds based on combined morphological and phylogenetic analyses. However, diagnostic morphological characters of the genus Avispora, the absence of Stieda and substieda bodies, has already been mentioned in the description of the genus Eumonospora Allen, 1933 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), and thus Avispora is considered to be a junior synonym of Eumonospora. In this study, caryosporoid coccidians were detected from five owl species; Bubo scandiacus, Ptilopsis leucotis, Athene noctua, Strix nebulosa, and Pulsatrix perspicillata (Strigiformes: Strigidae) and identified as Avispora henryae (Yakimoff & Matikaschwaili, 1932) described from Bubo bubo (Strigiformes: Strigidae). Eumonospora henryae (Yakimoff & Matikaschwili, 1932) comb. nov. is redescribed for this species based not only on morphological features but also on phylogenetical analyses. The key of the genus Eumonospora and a list to the species known at present are also provided.

Mitogenome of the little owl Athene noctua and phylogenetic analysis of Strigidae

New advances in molecular approaches for DNA analysis have enhanced our understanding of the phylogenetic relationship of birds. The Little Owl (Athene noctua) is of great significance for the integrated management of forest diseases and control of regional pests. Here, we sequenced and annotated the 17,772 bp complete mitogenome of A. noctua. The mitogenome encoded 37 typical mitochondrial genes: 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA, and one non-coding control region (D-loop). The organization and location of genes in the A. noctua mitogenome were consistent with those reported for other Strigidae birds. Phylogenetic relationships based on Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood methods showed that A. noctua has close relationships with Athene brama and Glaucidium cuculoides, confirming that A. noctua belongs to the Strigidae family. The phylogenetic relationships among seven genera of the Strigidae family used in this study were: Ninox and the other six genera were far apart, Otus and the clade ((Bubo + Strix) + Asio) were clustered into one branch, and Athene and Glaucidium were clustered into one branch. This phylogenetic classification is consistent with prior taxonomic studies on the Strigidae family. Our results provide new mitogenomic data to support further phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of Strigidae.

Melanism influences the use of social information in a polymorphic owl

Social information use has well-known fitness benefits. However, causes underlying the apparent inter-individual variability in the propensity to use social information are poorly studied. Melanins are pigments responsible for most of intra-specific color variation in vertebrates and their variation is often associated with changes in behaviour. Here, we explored whether melanism is related to individual propensity to use social information in the color polymorphic scops owl Otus scops. We manipulated social information on predation risk at nests by broadcasting calls of the sympatric little owl Athene noctua and found that owlets of brownish females exposed to alarm calls had lower levels of natural antibodies than those of greyish females. In parallel, we found changes in parental behaviour contingent on coloration because when exposed to the risky treatment brownish females returned earlier to nests than greyish females and owlets raised by brownish females were fed with smaller prey than those raised by greyish ones. These results provide support for a previous ignored role of melanins on the propensity to use social information, which may help to explain the maintenance of melanin-based color polymorphisms wherever social environments are variable.

Iris Yellowness Relates to Age and Individual Quality in Two Owl Species

Birds show huge variation in color displays evolved for communication. However, among colored phenotypic traits, eyes remain largely overlooked, with only a few studies suggesting a potential signaling function or a role in mate recognition and crypsis. Iris color is a remarkably striking feature in the wholly cryptic pattern of many owls, and may potentially play a signaling function, a possibility so far neglected. Here, we studied variation and potential signaling of iris yellowness as an indicator of quality in parent-offspring communication and other social contexts in the Little Owl (Athene noctua) and Eurasian Scops-Owl (Otus scops). Yellowness did not differ between the sexes; however, adults of the two species had more intensely yellow irises than owlets. Most of variation in iris yellowness of owlets occurred between rather than within nests and seemed to be linked to parental qualities of Little Owls, but was unrelated to condition among Eurasian Scops-Owl owlets. In adults, however, we found that iris yellowness of females was positively associated with nest success (an index of female fitness) in Little Owls, but not in Eurasian Scops-Owls. This study suggests that iris color variation is unlikely to play a role in parent-offspring communication for these two owl species, but that iris yellowness of female Little Owls may potentially play a signaling role in social contexts, a possibility that should be studied in the future.

High Accuracy Individual Identification Model of Crested Ibis (Nipponia Nippon) Based on Autoencoder With Self-Attention

As the population and the distribution of Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) become larger, it is necessary to propose a highly efficient census method to estimate the population size of the Crested Ibis. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has a very good prospect for the Crested Ibis monitoring. To realize the automatic census of the Crested Ibis with PAM, the automatic individual identification method based on the vocalization is the key technology. A novel individual identification model was proposed in this paper, which built the autoencoder based on LSTM to obtain the meaningful latent representation from the raw recording directly, further, embedded self-attention and putted forward a combined training mode to achieve distinctive latent representation. With this model, nine Crested Ibis individuals were identified accurately, the highest accuracy is 0.971, and the average accuracy reaches 0.958. As for other three species, Little owl (Athene noctua), Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and Tree pipit (Anthus trivialis), the better performances were achieved than the existing method, which means the proposed model can provide an alternative method for the individual identification of other bird species.

Breeding avifauna of Opava Mountains and their foothills, Opole Silesia

Abstract In 2010, an attempt was made to quantify bird species breeding in the Opava Mts. and their foothill (c. 135 km2, including c. 40 km2 [31%] of forests). The area is situated in the extreme south of Opole Silesia, SSW Poland. For most non-passerine species, total counts were made for the whole area (distribution of their breeding pairs is shown on maps), while for most passerine species, semi-quantitative studies were conducted. A total of 116 breeding and two probably breeding bird species were recorded. Changes in breeding avifauna of the area during the years 1880-2010 are also analysed based on literature search. A total of 134 breeding bird species were recorded over the 130 years. During the years 1990-2010, decreae in numbers has been evidenced for the following species: Perdix perdix, Tetrastes bonasia, Tyto alba, Athene noctua, Corvus frugilegus, and Nycifraga caryocatactes, In the same period, increase in numbers has been documented for species such as: Accipiter gentilis, Falco tinnunculus, Columba oenas, Jynx torquilla, Dryocopus martius, Picus canus, Picus viridis, Motacilla cinerea, Luscinia megarhynchos, Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Saxicola rubicola, Locustella naevia, Locustella fluviatilis, Corvus corax and Corvus cornix. Opava Mts. and its foothills constitute an imporant conservation area. Fifteen species listed in Annex I of the Bird Directive of the E.U. were recorded there, including a sizable population of Ficedula albicollis.

Microstructure of the Primary Remex of Owls (Strigiformes)

An electron microscopic study of the microstructure of the primary remiges in owls (Strigiformes) was conducted using 13 species: Nyctea scandiaca, Bubo bubo, Asio otus, Otus scops, O. sunia, Aegolius funereus, Athene noctua, Glaucidium passerinum, Surnia ulula, Strux aluco, S. uralensis, S. nebulosa, and Tyto alba. Owls have a number of species-specific microstructural primary remex characteristics that are taxonomically important. First of all, these are the structural features of the pennaceous barb, which differ markedly not only at the ordinal, but also at the species level: cross-section configuration, pith architectonics in cross- and longitudinal sections, and cuticular barb structures. This work emphasizes that the identified elements are of taxonomic significance only when comparing the specific, strictly analogous sections of the barbs in different bird species. Based on the present study, we conclude that along with the typical elements of feather architectonics characteristic of representatives of other bird orders, the owls show a number of peculiar microstructural features. Thus, as the result of an analysis of the microstructure of the owls primary remex pennaceous barb vanule, the unique features of the distal barbules and the structure of the apical section of the barb with tightly adjacent and elongate proximal and distal barbules could be distinguished. These characteristics are revealed to cause a dense fleecy structure of the vane dorsal surface and the presence of a complex of peculiar “bunches” that form the cleft edge, i.e., the purely specific traits of the owls feather that are not found in representatives of any other bird orders we have investigated.

Studies on some harmful and beneficial bird species in newly reclaimed areas in Sohag Governorate

In African countries, birds damage to cereal crops represents economic losses. Serial field trials had been conducted to study some ecological aspects associated with harmful and beneficial bird species at newly reclaimed areas in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. Regarding the harmful bird species, it is clear that the house sparrow, Passer domesticus niloticus was the most prevalent species in newly reclaimed areas, throughout the different year seasons. Hooded crow, Corvus corone sardonius ranked the second followed by palm dove, Streptopelia senegalensis egyptica and rock dove, Columba livia schimpari. On the other hand, crested lark, Galerida cristata and little green bee-eater, Merops orintalis clepatra were found in a few numbers during all seasons of the year. For the beneficial bird species, the results revealed that 9 beneficial and resident bird species Black-winged kite, Elanus coeruleus; fantailed warbler, Cisticola juncidis; hoopoe, Upupa epops epops; kestrl, Falco tinnunculus;little owl, Athene noctua glaux; swallow, Hirundo rustica savignii; spur winged plover, Hoplopterus spinosus; yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava and cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis ibis. White wagtail, Motacilla alba alba and chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita were found abundantly only in winter and spring seasons. With respect to the loss caused by harmful birds, the results revealed that the average of birds damage to wheat and sorghum varied according to the type of habitats. The highest birds damage occurred in crops of nearby trees, while the lowest damage was in those nearby field crops. Also, the most birds damage was recorded in the first 10 meters then, it decreased gradually towards the middle of the field. In conclusion, house sparrow, caused the most serious damage at ripening stage of considered crops. The highest damage was occurred in most cases during the ripening stages of sorghum than that of wheat crop.

Complementarity of Nesting Ornithocomplexes in Urban Faunae (through the example of Melitopol, Southern Ukraine)

The results of the study of birds nesting in Melitopol conducted in 2011-2019 are presented. The distribution and correlation of bird species in urban biotopes based on a raster map with squares of 1x1 km is provided. There are 170 bird species registered in the city throughout the year, including 104 nesting species; over the last 50 years their number has increased by 69 species. Nesting ornithocomplex of the areas of the city with multi-storey buildings include 16 species, areas with individual buildings – 23 species, industrial sites - 21 species, green areas - 51 species, reed thickets - 27 species, agricultural landscapes - 24 species, floodplains - 9 species, floodplain meadows - 9 species. Over the last decades, birds of Corvidae family - Garrulus glandarius, Pica pica, Corvus monedula, C. frugilegus, C. cornix, C. corax - have inhabited the city and formed urbanized populations. Of the birds of prey - Falco tinnunculus and Athene noctua. The taxonomic and ecological structure of ornithocomplexes of the city is considered. The basis of ornithocomplexes are widespread species of synthantropes and dendrophylles. Introduced species (Phasianus colchicus) and invasive species (Streptopelia decaocto, Dendrocopos syriacus, D. minor, Phoenicurus ochruros, etc.) also inhabited the city. Representatives of the dendrophylic group predominate in the ecological structure of onitocomplexes of the studied area, which includes 47 species (45.2%), lymphophyllous group is represented by 26 species (25.0%), sclerophyllous – by 14 species (13.5%), campophyllous – by 9 species (8.7%), the limnophyllous-dendrophyllous group is represented by 1 species (0.9%), dendrophyllous-sclerophyllous – by 6 species (5.8%) and limnophyllous-sclerophyllous – by 1 species (0.9%). Complementarity of urban ornithocomplexes is high due to the syntantropic species - dendrophylles and sclerophylles.

Embryonic development of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) and Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus) compared to the American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata): reference data for staging

Embryonic development is a fascinating subject for scientists from different biological disciplines, since it is determined by genetics, is linked to evolution, and involves morphological changes over a relatively short time period. Staging tables have been established to facilitate comparison between different clades of birds. However, embryological data for endangered and protected non-model birds are rare. Here we provide reference data for the embryonic development of the Little Owl (Athene noctua) and Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus). We found differences in the development of these species compared with that of the American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) with respect to the cere, beak and claws. Little Owls hatch at the most advanced state amongst these species with respect to plumage, size and weight; they incubate their eggs for just a week and can breed under more adverse conditions than the other two species.

Experimentally disentangling intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of natal dispersal in a nocturnal raptor.

Equivocal knowledge of the phase-specific drivers of natal dispersal remains a major deficit in understanding causes and consequences of dispersal and thus, spatial dynamics within and between populations. We performed a field experiment combining partial cross-fostering of nestlings and nestling food supplementation in little owls (Athene noctua). This approach disentangled the effect of nestling origin from the effect of the rearing environment on dispersal behaviour, while simultaneously investigating the effect of food availability in the rearing environment. We radio-tracked fledglings to quantify the timing of pre-emigration forays and emigration, foray and transfer duration, and the dispersal distances. Dispersal characteristics of the pre-emigration phase were affected by the rearing environment rather than by the origin of nestlings. In food-poor habitats, supplemented individuals emigrated later than unsupplemented individuals. By contrast, transfer duration and distance were influenced by the birds' origin rather than by their rearing environment. We found no correlation between timing of emigration and transfer duration or distance. We conclude that food supply to the nestlings and other characteristics of the rearing environment modulate the timing of emigration, while innate traits associated with the nestling origin affect the transfer phases after emigration. The dispersal behaviours of juveniles prior and after emigration, therefore, were related to different determinants, and are suggested to form different life-history traits.

The paradoxical meanings of the artifact owls (Athene noctua) at the University of South Africa: An impediment to transformation, decolonization, and Africanization discourse

This paper interprets the expressions embedded in the artifact Owls displayed at the Theo Van Wijk building of the University of South Africa (Unisa) in relation to the university's transformation, decolonization, and Africanization discourse. These artifacts are said to depict Unisa as a space of wisdom; this in terms of Greek mythology and philosophy. The use of Greek mythology and philosophy in a university meant to be promoting African values, systems, and beliefs contradicts the university's transformation, decolonization, and Africanization discourse. Philosophical inquiry was adopted to intellectually interpret what these artifact Owls expressed. The paper found that these Owls are a point of contestation and conflict between Western and African cultures. The perpetual display of these Owls upholds and sustains tendencies of colonialism and apartheid although discarding Africannes. Unisa is reduced into a Western‐centric space of little and irrelevant significance for the postapartheid democratic state. These artifact Owls must be removed and replaced by an African‐friendly symbolism of wisdom. Sankambe could be the best option.