Why in News?
A stone quarry in Telangana halted operations for nearly 30 days to protect five eggs of the Rock Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis), a Schedule I species, after a nest was discovered on a rock ledge.
Description:
About Rock Eagle Owl (Indian Eagle Owl):
- Scientific Name: Bubo bengalensis
- Large owl species are native to South Asia.
- IUCN Status: Least Concern, but population is decreasing.
- WPA, 1972 Status: Schedule I (Highest legal protection same protection as tigers, rhinos).
- Habitat: Rocky outcrops, scrub forests, cliffs.
- Characteristics: Prominent ear tufts, Orange eyes, Excellent camouflage, Nocturnal predator, Incubation Period – 30–35 days.
Why This Species Matters:
- Acts as a key predator, controlling rodents and small vertebrates.
- Indicator of rocky and scrub ecosystem health.
- Its decline impacts local food chain stability.
Issues & Conservation Concerns:
- Habitat loss from stone quarrying and infrastructure expansion.
- Disturbance from tourism and photography.
- Illegal trapping and superstition-driven killings in parts of India.
- Declining prey base in urbanizing landscapes.
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