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Bengal Launches First State-Wide Owl Survey
13 Jan
Summary
- Bengal is conducting India's first state-wide owl survey.
- The survey aims to map distribution and abundance of 23 owl species.
- The initiative will cover diverse habitats from January to May.
West Bengal has embarked on an unprecedented state-wide owl survey, an initiative unique in India, to meticulously map the distribution and abundance of its 23 resident owl species. This comprehensive study, running from January through May, will encompass all types of habitats across the state, extending beyond protected areas to include wetlands, grasslands, and even urban landscapes.
The primary objective is to create a foundational understanding of owl populations, crucial for informing future conservation strategies and long-term ecological research. Experts aim to identify vital nesting, roosting, and foraging sites while simultaneously assessing any threats that may impact these nocturnal birds.
The survey, a collaboration between the Birdwatchers' Society, WWF-India, and the state forest department, has divided Bengal into systematic survey zones using a grid-based framework. A total of 100 representative grids have been selected for detailed observation, with a focus on peak owl activity hours after sunset.
