Synthesizing knowledge gaps to prioritize conservation actions for owls and nightjars in Africa

Owls (Strigiformes) and nightjars (Caprimulgiformes) play important ecological roles but remain among the least studied avian groups, with critical knowledge gaps potentially limiting effective conservation planning. We conducted a systematic literature review to quantify temporal, spatial, taxonomic and thematic patterns of research on African owls and nightjars. We also developed a Research and Conservation Priority Index (RCPI) that combines conservation concern and research scarcity, examined the relationship between threat status and research attention, and evaluated socio‐economic predictors of research effort. Research output increased substantially over the past five decades but remained geographically, taxonomically and thematically uneven, being concentrated in a small number of countries and widespread species. More than two‐thirds of species were under‐studied or had no published studies. Threat status was not associated with research scarcity, indicating that conservation concern and research attention represent distinct dimensions of species prioritization. The RCPI identified several threatened, range‐restricted and Data‐Deficient species, including the Annobon Scops Owl Otus feae , Itombwe Owl Tyto prigoginei and Maned Owl Jubula lettii , for which conservation concern coincides with limited scientific knowledge. Research effort was positively associated with the Human Development Index, suggesting that socio‐economic capacity influences knowledge production across African countries. These findings highlight persistent research biases and demonstrate the need to align future knowledge generation with conservation planning. Importantly, addressing knowledge gaps should complement, rather than replace, immediate conservation action for species facing known threats. Targeted investment in under‐represented regions, passive acoustic monitoring, citizen science and research on under‐studied threats will help strengthen evidence‐based conservation of Africa's owls and nightjars.