DEHRADUN: In a discovery that has sent ripples of excitement through the conservation community, a pair of rare dusky eagle owls has been sighted in the Phato tourism zone of the Terai West forest division, adjacent to the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand.
The sighting is being hailed as a landmark event, as the species—known for its highly elusive nature—was last officially recorded in the region over 15 years ago in 2010. The rare pair was documented by naturalist Himanshu Tiruva, whose photographs have since gone viral among ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts.
"The dusky eagle owl is a master of camouflage and is incredibly wary of human presence," said Tiruva. "Finding them in the dense canopy after such a long hiatus is not just a personal milestone but a significant record for the state’s avian diversity."
Forest officials and experts believe the return of the raptor indicates a stabilizing local environment. The dusky eagle owl typically inhabits thick riverside forests and old-growth trees, preying on small mammals and birds.
Dr. Saket Badola, Chief Conservator of Forests (Kumaon), attributed the sighting to robust habitat management. "The fact that this rare species has reappeared, and that too as a pair, is a testament to our ongoing conservation efforts. It reflects a reduction in human interference and the success of strategies aimed at protecting natural corridors," he stated.
Birding expert Pradeep Saxena noted that the presence of such apex avian predators is a "litmus test" for the ecosystem. "Their return confirms a healthy prey base and the presence of undisturbed nesting sites. It reaffirms the Corbett landscape as a critical sanctuary for specialized species," Saxena added.
The Phato zone, already popular for its tiger and elephant sightings, is now expected to see a surge in birdwatching tourism. Wildlife researchers are now planning to monitor the area more closely to study the breeding patterns of the pair, marking a new chapter in Uttarakhand’s rich natural history.
The Terai around Corbett may be famed for tigers, but the recent dusky eagle owl record highlights its avian wealth. The large, partly diurnal raptor—48–58 cm long, favouring old-growth forest near water—fits Phato’s dense canopy and streams perfectly.
“The dusky eagle owl is a powerful bird, often active by day in cloudy weather,” said Ranganath Pandey, wildlife expert and former Uttarakhand deputy forest director.
Terai West officials say the sighting lifts Phato’s profile as a birdwatching hotspot, encouraging sustainable tourism focused on the state’s winged wonders.