Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is reported to be widespread and common, and only uncommon in Uganda and Kenya (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Holt et al. 2021).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
The species occurs mostly on rocky outcrops in desert areas (with scattered trees and bushes) or woodlands with little ground cover, but can also be recorded in areas of low hills, grassland, scrub, thorn savanna and suburban gardens (Holt et al. 2021). The species occurs from sea level to 2,100 m. It feeds mainly on arthropods, small mammals and birds (Holt et al. 2021).
The species may sometimes be hit by vehicles, trapped in barbed-wire fences, or drown in stock tanks or farm ponds (Holt et al. 2021). It may also be locally persecuted (Holt et al. 2021). However, these threats are not considered to cause any significant impact.
Conservation Actions Underway
There are no known conservation actions towards this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor population trends and quantify the population size. Monitor threats and their possible impacts.
Text account compilers
Fernando, E.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Spotted Eagle-owl Bubo africanus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spotted-eagle-owl-bubo-africanus on 28/11/2024.
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 28/11/2024.