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FOREST EAGLE OWL (BUBO NIPALENSIS)

4th June, 2024

FOREST EAGLE OWL (BUBO NIPALENSIS)

Context

  • Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, has documented breeding of the Forest Eagle Owl, a first for the region.
  • The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity and conservation significance of Central India's tiger reserves.
  • Similar sightings have been reported from Madhya Pradesh's Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves.

 Details

Key Points

  • New Species Discovery:
    • The Forest Eagle Owl (Bubo nipalensis) breeding recorded in Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
  • Research Involvement:
    • Bird watchers and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) played a crucial role in the discovery.
  • Habitat Details:
    • Found in dense, moist deciduous forests with a high canopy, near Surewani village.
  • Behavioural Study:
    • Recorded low-frequency calls of the Forest Eagle Owl using Raven Pro software for communication and territorial defence.
  • Significance of Sightings:
    • Indicates the owl species may be widely distributed across the country, emphasizing the need for further ecological studies and conservation efforts.

 Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra)

Location:

  • Situated in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

 Biodiversity:

  • Home to 367 avian species and diverse flora and fauna.

 Recent Discovery:

  • First documented breeding of the Forest Eagle Owl (Bubo nipalensis) in Maharashtra Pench.

 Significance:

  • Highlights the reserve's role as a vital breeding ground and its ecological richness.

 Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

Location:

  • Straddles Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

 Biodiversity:

  • Known for its rich wildlife including tigers, leopards, and a variety of birds.

 Historical Context:

  • Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book."

 Conservation Efforts:

  • Focuses on habitat preservation and anti-poaching

 Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

Location:

  • Located in the Maikal Hills of the Satpura range in Madhya Pradesh.

 Biodiversity:

  • Renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, barasingha (swamp deer), and other wildlife.

 Ecotourism:

  • Prominent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.

 Conservation Initiatives:

  • Emphasis on wildlife conservation, research, and sustainable tourism.

 Sources:

Times of India

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Forest Eagle Owl (Bubo nipalensis):

  1. The Forest Eagle Owl has been documented breeding in Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
  2. This species is known for its high-frequency calls used for communication and territorial defense.
  3. The Forest Eagle Owl is typically found in dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a)      1 and 3 only

b)      2 and 3 only

c)       1 and 2 only

d)      1, 2, and 3

Answer: a)