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

Justification of Red List category
Otus umbra 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 however 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
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as fairly common in forest, edge and occasionally plantations (Eaton et al. 2021).

Trend justification
Habitat loss is considered the only plausible threat to this species and there is no evidence of hunting (M. Iqbal in litt. 2023). Remote sensing data indicate minimal (<3%) 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, it is reportedly tolerant of habitat degradation, and occurs occasionally in plantations (Eaton et al. 2021). In the absence of evidence for other significant threats, the population is therefore suspected to be stable.

Otus umbra is endemic to Simeulue Island, off north-west Sumatra, Indonesia (BirdLife International 2001). 

This species favours forest edge and remnants, especially on coasts, as well as clove plantations (König and Weick 2008).

Habitat loss is considered the only plausible threat to this species with no evidence it is hunted (M. Iqbal in litt. 2023). In the 10 years to 2022, forest cover in the species' range declined by <3% (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). The species is reportedly tolerant to secondary and edge habitats (Eaton et al. 2021), therefore it is unlikely to be under immediate threat. 

Conservation Actions Underway
Listed in CITES Appendix II, although there is no evidence this species is traded internationally.

Conservation Actions Proposed
The species remains very poorly studied, so more research is required to determine its status and abundance, and to assess threats. Protect significant areas of suitable forest, in both strictly protected areas and community led multiple use areas.

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

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

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Simeulue Scops-owl Otus umbra. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/simeulue-scops-owl-otus-umbra 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.