Negros scops owl

The Negros scops owl (Otus nigrorum), also recognized as the Visayan scops owl, is a small owl species native to the Philippine islands of Negros and Panay. It belongs to the family Strigidae and is distinguished by its striking rufous or reddish-brown coloration on its crown, nape, and facial disc. Historically, it was considered a subspecies of the Philippine scops owl but is now classified as its own species, being the smallest and palest within the endemic Philippine scops owl complex.

Ecology and Behavior

This owl is a nocturnal hunter, preying primarily on insects. Socially, Negros scops owls are observed living either solitarily or in monogamous pairs. Their breeding season is extensive, occurring throughout the year, during which they typically lay clutches of one or two eggs. They make their nests in tree hollows, favoring the forest environments of the Philippine lowlands.

Habitat and Conservation

The natural habitats of the Negros scops owl are tropical moist lowland and montane primary and secondary forests, typically found up to 1,000 meters above sea level. While they can adapt to secondary forests, their populations are healthiest and most dense in primary, old-growth forests. As of 2025, the species is assessed as Near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated population of 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals, and the population is believed to be declining.

Threats and Protection

The primary threats to the Negros scops owl are habitat destruction stemming from legal and illegal logging, the conversion of forests into farmlands through slash-and-burn practices, charcoal burning, and mining. Extensive habitat loss has occurred on both Negros and Panay islands, with remaining forest cover being minimal and often located at higher elevations where the owl does not thrive. Despite these challenges, the species can be found in some protected areas such as Northern Negros Natural Park, Mount Kanlaon National Park, and Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park. However, enforcement of protection against hunting and illegal logging remains lax in these areas. A notable observation is the significant number of birdwatcher sightings in the Liptong Woodland, a small private reforestation project on Negros Oriental, which supports multiple pairs of these owls.