[2] It is now regarded as a subspecies of Fraser's eagle-owl (Bubo poensis).

[3] The differences between this taxon and Fraser's eagle-owl are that it is slightly larger, a more prominent dark margin to the facial disc, denser darker blotching on the breast and fainter markings on the rest of the underparts.

[5] Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests between 900 and 1,500 m (3,000 and 4,900 ft) above sea level.

[6] The latest view of Birdlife International and the IUCN is that Ketupa poensis vosseleri is to be treated as a subspecies of Fraser's eagle-owl as the plumage and vocal differences between the two taxa are very slight.

[6][7] The IOC and the Clements taxonomy, however, treat it as a separate species.