• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
Otus enganensis has a very small range, occupying a single island in Indonesia. However, there are no known acting threats, and the species is evidently tolerant of forest degradation (which is currently minimal), such that the population is assumed to be stable. Accordingly, it is listed as Least Concern, although remote sensing data should continue to be monitored.

Population justification
This species is reportedly common in forest, edge and plantations within its range (Eaton et al. 2021, M. Iqbal in litt. 2023). However, with a range of not more than 540 km², the population is very unlikely to exceed 10,000 mature individuals (which would require a density of 9-10 pairs/km²), and the population here is suspected to number 2,500-10,000 mature individuals, although this estimate is made speculatively and considered poor data quality.

Trend justification
Habitat loss is considered the only plausible threat to this species with no evidence the species is hunted (M. Iqbal in litt. 2023). However, remote sensing data indicate negligible (<1%) forest cover loss in its range over the last 10 years (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Moreover, the species is reportedly tolerant of habitat degradation and occurs even in plantations (Eaton et al. 2021), such that forest loss and disturbance cannot be assumed to directly impact population size. Its population is therefore suspected to be stable.

Otus enganensis is endemic to Enggano Island, off south-west Sumatra, Indonesia. 

It is thought to occupy forest and wooded areas, including plantations, and apparently feeds mainly on insects, spiders and other arthropods (König and Weick 2008, Eaton et al. 2021).

Habitat loss is considered the only plausible threat to this species. Habitat destruction on Enggano has, thus far, been minimal, but this should continue to be monitored. There is no evidence of hunting (M. Iqbal in litt. 2023).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed in CITES Appendix II. It is likely to occur within the three protected areas on the island (Gunung Nanua, Teluk Klowe and Sungai Baheuwo), but these only cover a small part of its range (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2023).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Surveys to determine the density and population size of this species are required. Ongoing monitoring of threats is also needed, as, due to the species's small population size, any emerging threats may rapidly cause the species to meet criteria for being globally threatened. Expansion of the protected area network on Enggano would help to mitigate potential future habitat loss as a result of agricultural development.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Haskell, L.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Iqbal, M., Mahood, S. & Taylor, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Enggano Scops-owl Otus enganensis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/enggano-scops-owl-otus-enganensis on 27/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 27/12/2024.