Fearful Owl
VU

Fearful Owl

Nesasio solomonensis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Fearful Owl faces severe pressure from widespread deforestation across the Solomon Islands, where logging operations and agricultural expansion have fragmented its primary forest habitat. Introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, pose additional threats to both adults and nestlings in remaining forest patches. The species' restricted range across just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss, with some populations potentially isolated on increasingly small forest remnants.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Fearful Owl inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland forests across several Solomon Islands, typically preferring dense canopy areas with large trees suitable for nesting. It occurs from sea level up to approximately 800 meters elevation, showing a strong association with undisturbed forest environments.

Other threatened species in Strigidae

Great Grey OwlVU

Great Grey Owl

Strix nebulosa

Unknown
Short-eared OwlCR

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

Unknown
Little OwlEN

Little Owl

Athene noctua

Unknown
Aegolius funereusCR

Aegolius funereus

Unknown

Threatened in Papua New Guinea

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Cornufer wolfi

Declining
VU

Cornufer minutus

Unknown
CR

Melanotaenia corona

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Fearful Owl classified as Vulnerable?
Fearful 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 Fearful Owl faces severe pressure from widespread deforestation across the Solomon Islands, where logging operations and agricultural expansion have fragmented its primary forest habitat. Introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, pose additional threats to both adults and nestlings in remaining forest patches. The species' restricted range across just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss, with some populations potentially isolated on increasingly small forest remnants.
Where does Fearful Owl live?
Fearful Owl occurs in Papua New Guinea, and 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 Fearful Owl?
The main threats to Fearful 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.

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