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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a moderately small population occupying a small range, but in the absence of evidence for significant habitat loss or other threats the population is suspected to be stable. As a result the species is considered Least Concern. However, ongoing monitoring of deforestation and other threats is needed.

Population justification
This species is reportedly common in forest, edge and plantations within its range (Eaton et al. 2021). However, it occupies only a few small islands, with a range not more than 14,110 km², therefore its population is thought to be moderately small. It is placed in the band 10,000-19,999 mature individuals. This preliminary estimate of poor data quality requires clarification.

Trend justification
Habitat loss is considered the only plausible threat to this species. Remote sensing data indicate minimal (c.2%) forest cover loss in its range during 2012-2022 (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 (Haryoko et al. 2020, Eaton et al. 2021). In the absence of evidence for other significant threats, the population is therefore suspected to be stable.

Otus mentawi is endemic to larger islands of Mentawai, off west Sumatra, Indonesia (BirdLife International 2001). 

It occurs in lowland forest, edge and plantations, including around villages (Eaton et al. 2021).

Habitat loss is considered the only potential threat to this species. In the 10 years to 2022, forest cover in the species's range declined by c.2% (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). During a recent trip to the southeastern part of Siberut Island, Haryoko et al. (2020) reported heavy logging and forest clearance for subsistence farming near the city of Muara Siberut. However, they also recorded several Mentawai Scops-owls in the area, suggesting that the species is at least somewhat tolerant of such habitat degradation. Accordingly, no past, ongoing or future threats are thought to exist for this species presently.

Conservation Actions Underway
Listed in CITES Appendix II. No other conservation action is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Generate density estimates to inform a revised population estimate for the species. Continue to estimate population trends by calculating rates of forest loss within its range using satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques. Protect significant areas of suitable forest, in both strictly protected areas and community-led multiple use areas.

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

Contributors
Benstead, P., Bird, J. & Taylor, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mentawai Scops-owl Otus mentawi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mentawai-scops-owl-otus-mentawi on 24/12/2024.
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 24/12/2024.