Rinjani scops owl

The Rinjani scops owl, scientifically known as Otus jolandae, is a unique avian species endemic to the island of Lombok and its adjacent Gili Islands in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands. Its existence as a distinct species was formally recognized in 2013, though it was first identified as potentially separate in 2003 due to its distinctive call.

Discovery and Identification

British naturalist Alfred Everett collected specimens of this owl in 1896, but at the time, it was not distinguished from the Moluccan scops owl. The key to its recognition as a new species lay in its vocalization. In 2003, researchers independently noted that the scops owls on Lombok produced a different call—a clean whistling hoot—compared to the raspy croak of Otus magicus. Further observations, sound recordings, and detailed comparisons of specimens with those from other regions confirmed that the Lombok owls represented an undescribed species. The specific epithet, jolandae, honors Dr. Jolanda Luksenburg, one of the biologists who co-discovered the species.

Distribution and Habitat

The Rinjani scops owl is exclusively found on Lombok and the Gili Islands, making it the sole bird species endemic to Lombok. It inhabits forest environments across the island, often within the boundaries of Gunung Rinjani National Park. Its range extends from elevations of 25 meters up to 1350 meters.

Description and Conservation

Visually, the Rinjani scops owl is primarily brown, characterized by barring and spotting patterns in various shades of white, making it similar in appearance to the Moluccan scops owl. The most significant distinguishing feature remains its unique whistling hoot call. Until 2018, the species was not officially protected by the Indonesian government. However, it is now listed as a protected species. Despite this legal status, reports of illegal trade in bird markets on Lombok indicate that this remains a potential threat to its conservation.