BENGALURU: The rescue of two Indian Rock Eagle-owls in Bengaluru rural district last week has exposed how illegal trading of live owls still thrives in and around the rural environs of the city. In fact, hunting of birds and animals especially Indian Rock Eagle-owls, Brahminy Kites, Slender Loris and Red Sand Boa is rampant during Amavasya (New Moon) and Purnima (Full Moon) as people sacrifice many wildlife species based on superstitions and unfounded beliefs.
Highly prized in domestic and international markets, the Rock Eagle-owl or the Great Horned Owl is very difficult to capture. But when they are caught, they are killed for their body parts, with their feathers removed and their legs cut off. Wildlife Warden of Bengaluru Rural district A Prasanna Kumar, who has been a part of many rescue operations said, “During such operations, we have often found hair, vermilion and turmeric powder on the body of owls. In fact, every 2-3 months, we rescue this species and every month 3-4 barn owl species is rescued.”
In Bengaluru, the Great Horned Owl and the Mottled Wood Owl are often spotted at Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. The former have been seen in rocky landscapes and very old trees in a range of 35-50 km around Yelahanka, Nelamangala, Kanakapura, Doddaballapur, Magadi and Ramanagara. Kaushik, a wildlife volunteer who had spotted two pairs of Rock Eagle-owls near PESIT on NICE Road, reports that only one pair is visible now.
According to wildlife activists, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, protects all owl species in India and makes capturing and trading them illegal. The state forest department in coordination with TRAFFIC India and animal protection organisations like Humane Society International (HSI), India, has been cracking down on this activity whenever specific information has been received. In fact, in the recent joint rescue operation, they managed to save two Rock Eagle-owls from traffickers near Doddaballapur.
Bengaluru (Rural) DCF Natesh said that acting on specific information, these owl species were rescued. He added, “Investigations are going on and four people have been arrested. They have been booked for hunting and trading under WPA section 26.” Sumanth Bindumadhav, wildlife campaign manager, HSI, India, who was part of the rescue team added, “The owls were kept in poor condition.
They were severely dehydrated and their legs were tied tight using a nylon rope. We hope the rescue will lead to a stronger collaboration with the department to protect these birds from illegal wildlife trade.”
For any information on wildlife species, people can contact Honorary Wildlife Warden for Bengaluru Rural district Prasanna Kumar. His wildlife 24x7 helpline service is 99027 94711.
Owls and black magic
Due to ignorance and misguided beliefs, owls are sacrificed either for their meat or their body parts. Their parts are used in black magic, ritual sacrifice and many other superstitions. Further, it is used for curing illness, tackling evil spirits, in witchcraft and for good fortune.
The Rock Eagle owl
Restricted to Indian sub-continent, Rock Eagle Owl is a species of Great Horned Owl and is one of the largest owls in India. Having feathered legs and feet, it inhabites hills and scrub forests. It is known for its horns which are like ‘tufts’ on its heads.