Maned owl (Jubula lettii)

Species information

Images

Threats

The scarcity of information on the maned owl’s biology, in combination with its secretive and nocturnal habits, make it difficult to assess how threatened this species may be (3), hence why the IUCN have classified it as Data Deficient (1). It is reported to be scarce in Ghana and rare in Liberia, although this may be due to it being overlooked, and there are also only a few records of its occurrence in Cameroon. Its dependency on forest habitat likely places it at risk from habitat loss as a result of timber harvesting (3) (5).

Conservation

Further research on this little known species is clearly required. Gathering information on its exact range, population sizes, and dependency on forests would help determine its status and inform conservation actions if necessary (2) (5).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

The Smithsonian Institution's Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Programme and Shell are working together to increase understanding of biodiversity and energy resource development in Gabon.