Indian Scops Owl

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Conservation

Why in News?

Recently, The Rare Indian scops owl spotted near Karnataka's Daroji sanctuary, the first recorded sighting of the species in this region.

Indian Scops Owl - Smartart

It is a nocturnal bird, known for its distinct ear-like tufts and exceptional camouflage.
It is a small-sized owl species that blends effortlessly into its surroundings.
Distribution - Found across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Pakistan.
Habitat - Prefers open woodlands, gardens, urban areas, and groves, often near human habitation.
Identification Features
- Size - Approximately 20 to 25 cm in length.
- Color - Greyish-brown or rufous, with heavy streaks that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark.
- Eyes - Bright orange or yellow, depending on the subspecies.
- Ear tufts - Prominent and upright, giving it the classic “scops owl” look.
- The bird was detected by its distinctive call a giveaway to its otherwise hidden presence.

Indian scops owl

Behavior - Nocturnal- Active after dusk; roosts in tree hollows or dense foliage during the day.
Diet - Insects (beetles, moths, grasshoppers), small lizards, and occasionally small rodents.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List - Least Concern.
Threats - Habitat loss and pesticide use.

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India.
It is the first Sloth Bear Sanctuary in India and Asia, declared exclusively for the protection and conservation of the Sloth Bear.
Habitat & Ecology - Scrub-forest with dry deciduous vegetation, lots of boulders, hillocks, caves and rocky outcrops—ideal for the sloth bears.
Sloth bears often emerge in the late afternoon from caves to feed on fruits, honey, termites.
Other fauna - Apart from the sloth bears, you can find leopards, hyenas, wild boars, pangolins, star tortoises, monitor lizards.
Birdlife is also rich and several butterflies have been noted.

Reference

New Indian Express | Indian scops owl