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Indian Scops Owl

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October 24, 2025

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

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