We discovered a new species of owl – but we already think it’s in danger theconversation com

Príncipe, land of birds
The Príncipe scops-owl is the eighth known species of bird endemic to Príncipe -
meaning that they occur nowhere else on Earth. This unusually high level of bird
endemism on an island of only 139 km2 highlights the global conservation importance of
Príncipe. Additionally, Príncipe shares another three endemic species with the
neighbouring islands of São Tomé and Annobón.
We surveyed the entire Príncipe Island to determine the distribution and population size
of the new species. Results, published in the journal Bird Conservation International,
show that this new scops-owl is found only in the remaining old-growth native forest of
Príncipe. These are now confined to the uninhabited southern part of the island. There, it
occupies an area of about 15 km2, apparently due to a preference for lower elevations. In
this small area (about four times the size of Central Park), the densities of the owl are
relatively high, with the population estimated at around 1,000-1,500 individuals.
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Príncipe South. Jean De Villiers, Author provided
Nevertheless, because all individuals of the species occur in this single and very small
location (of which a part will be affected in the near future by the construction of a small
hydro-electric dam), we have proposed that the species should be classified as “critically
endangered” – the highest threat level on the International Union for Conservation of
Nature’s Red List. The organisation is still to evaluate this recommendation.
Critically endangered species
The discovery of a new species that is immediately evaluated as highly threatened
illustrates all too well the current biodiversity predicament. On a positive note, the area of
occurrence of the Príncipe scops-owl is fully included within the Príncipe Obo Natural
Park, which will hopefully help secure its protection.
Monitoring the population will be essential to get more precise estimates of its size and
follow its trends. Surveying nocturnal species in remote and difficult terrain is riddled with
many logistics and funding challenges. To overcome these difficulties, we designed and
successfully tested a survey protocol which uses automatic recording units placed around
their habitat. Artificial intelligence will be used to retrieve the owl calls from the thousands
of hours of recordings that will be produced.
Birds are the most studied animal group so the discovery of a new bird species in the
21st century is really something to celebrate. But it also underscores the importance of
field-based explorations aiming to find what may soon no longer exist. It also shows how
curiosity-driven endeavours are more likely to succeed when coupled with local ecological
knowledge, the participation of keen amateur naturalists and persistence.

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Drawing of Otus bikegila. Marco
Correia, Author provided