Siau scops owl

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The Siau scops owl (Otus siaoensis) is a very small owl that lives on Siau Island, north of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and is in CITES Appendix II.

Conservation status and habitat
This owl used to live in forests, but on Siau Island the forest is very limited and being damaged by logging. Because of this, there are likely very few individuals left, if any.

Names and classification
The scientific name is Otus siaoensis. Its exact classification is debated: the IOU recognizes it as a distinct species, but some scientists consider it a subspecies of the Sulawesi scops owl or the Moluccan scops owl. Recent analysis suggests it is closest in appearance to the Sangihe scops owl.

What we know from the past
The species is known from only one specimen collected in 1866. There have been a few possible sightings since then, including a report in 2017, but none have been confirmed.

2017 video note
In December 2017, a video appeared online showing a bird claimed to be a Siau scops owl trapped in a building, but scientists could not confirm what species it was.

Conservation note
Because its forest habitat on a small island is being lost, the Siau scops owl is at very high risk of extinction.