8 Rarest Owl Species in the World

Karthala Scops Owl

Endangered species with an estimated 2,300 mature individuals, found only on Mount Karthala, Comoro Islands. Rapid deforestation due to agriculture and construction has severely impacted its population.

Blakiston s Fish Owl

The largest living owl species, with 1,000-2,500 mature individuals, located in China, Japan, and the Russian Far East. Threats include land development and loss of riverine forests.

Sula Barn Owl

Vulnerable species with 250-999 mature individuals, native to Sula Island, Indonesia. Logging and wood harvesting pose significant threats, but the species shows some tolerance to habitat degradation.

Long-whiskered Owlet

Vulnerable species with 250-999 mature individuals, restricted to Northern Peru's Andean mountains. Rarely observed since its discovery in 1976, it was spotted again in 2007.

Forest Owlet

Endangered species with 250-999 mature individuals, endemic to Central India. Rediscovered in 1997 after being thought extinct, it faces threats from habitat loss and historical specimen theft.

Serendib Scops Owl

Endangered species with 250-999 mature individuals, endemic to Central India. Rediscovered in 1997 after being thought extinct, it faces threats from habitat loss and historical specimen theft.

Moheli Scops Owl

Endangered species with 260 mature individuals, endemic to Moheli Island, Comoros. It has two color morphs and faces threats from deforestation and predation by black rats.

Pernambuco Pygmy Owl

Critically endangered, possibly extinct species with 0-49 mature individuals, native to Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Last seen in 2001, it suffers from habitat loss due to sugarcane farming and illegal hunting.