Habitat fragmentation (fires and logging) and the spread of the introduced Common Myna Acridotheres tristis severely threaten Otus pauliani.
Otus pauliani is limited to the highest forests of Mount Karthala on Grand Comoro, Comoro Islands, where its habitat is vulnerable. In November 1989 studies located it at 1,000--1,900 m on the north, west and south flanks of the volcano, on which c.100 km of suitable habitat exists.
The population may prove to be over 1,000 pairs.
Otus pauliani is listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN Red List.