Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence under 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 size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as locally common (Konig et al. 1999). This species is considered to have a medium dependency on forest habitat, and tree cover is estimated to have declined by 1% within its mapped range over the past 10 years (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Considering the species' apparent tolerance for modified habitats and the very small rate of decline in tree cover within its range, its population size is suspected to be stable.
Trend justification
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Endemic to Wetar Island, in the Lesser Sundas, Indonesia.
O. tempestatis occurs in forested habitats, including swampy areas with bushes and trees and plantations (Konig & Weick 2008) apparently shows some tolerance for modified habitats and has been recorded around villages and mining areas on the island (C. Trainor in litt. 2013).
19-20 cm. A typical, relatively small scops-owl occuring in both a rufous and grey form. Both have relatively short, rounded ear tufts, narrow dark shaft streaks and sparse vermiculations on the upperparts and similar but heavier markings on the underparts. The ground cover of the belly is similar to the rest of the underparts. Similar species. O. magicus is similar, but has heavier dark markings on the upperparts, whiter belly and differs in voice. Voice. A group of 4-6 short-spaced barking notes, differing from the evenly well-spaced, slightly more deeply-pitched barking notes of O. magicus.
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Trainor, C.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Wetar Scops-owl Otus tempestatis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wetar-scops-owl-otus-tempestatis on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.