Why in the News?
A rare conservation incident unfolded at Yenakathala village, Vikarabad district (Telangana) where operations in a stone quarry were halted for 30+ days to protect five eggs of the endangered Rock Eagle Owl found in a rock crevice. The quarry is incurring ₹1.2 lakh loss per day (₹35 lakh total) to ensure safe hatching. This has been hailed as a “miracle” rescue and an example of community-led wildlife protection.
About the Rock Eagle Owl (Indian Eagle-Owl) – Bubo bengalensis
- Also called Bengal Eagle-Owl
- Large horned owl species
- Habitat: Hilly scrub forests, cliffs, rock crevices
- Camouflage: Brown & grey plumage with a white throat patch
- Distribution: Throughout India
- IUCN Status: Least Concern globally, but population decreasing
- In India:
- Protected under Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- This places it at par with species like tigers and elephants in terms of legal protection
- Threats:
- Habitat loss
- Quarrying and mining
- Poaching (₹35–40 lakh per bird in black market)
- Superstitious killings
Important:
- Nesting sites are difficult to locate; nests are usually in rock niches and cliffs, not trees.
The species abandons the nest if touched by humans.
| In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ? (2017)
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction. (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context. |
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