Makira Owl
VU

Makira Owl

Athene roseoaxillaris

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makira_owl

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Rose-winged Owl faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its specialized forest habitat, while pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas reduces prey availability. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the montane forest ecosystems this endemic species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic owl inhabits dense tropical montane forests and forest edges in the Western Ghats of India, typically at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It prefers areas with dense canopy cover and abundant hollow trees for nesting, often near forest clearings where it hunts for insects and small vertebrates.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Frequently asked questions

Why is Makira Owl classified as Vulnerable?
Makira Owl is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Rose-winged Owl faces severe pressure from rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Western Ghats of India. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented its specialized forest habitat, while pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas reduces prey availability. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the montane forest ecosystems this endemic species depends upon.
Where does Makira Owl live?
Makira Owl occurs in Solomon Islands. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Makira Owl?
The main threats to Makira Owl are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.