In News:

In a remarkable development, birdwatchers have reported the first-ever sighting of the Indian Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena) near the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka.

About the Indian Scops-Owl

• Scientific Name:Otus bakkamoena
• Family: Strigidae
• Distribution: Widely found across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Iran.
• Habitat: Occupies forests, scrublands, and agricultural areas; it is non-migratory, remaining within a localized territory throughout the year.

Distinctive Features

• Size: Measures around 17–25 cm in height, with a wingspan of about 45 cm.
• Appearance: Characterized by ear-like tufts, a stocky body, short tail, and cryptic plumage of browns and greys that blend seamlessly with tree bark.
• Eyes: Large, bright yellow eyes (sometimes dark in appearance) with black pupils, providing enhanced nocturnal vision.
• Feathers: Soft and fluffy, aiding silent flight and insulation against cool night air.
• Behavior: A nocturnal predator, feeding mainly on insects and small invertebrates, playing an important role in natural pest control.
• Conservation Status:IUCN Red List:Least Concern

Ecological and Conservation Significance

• The sighting near Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary—a region primarily known for its sloth bear population and dry deciduous ecosystem—indicates a broader ecological range for the species than previously recorded.
• Experts suggest the observation could either represent an undocumented resident population or a rare dispersal event. Either case underscores the need for detailed ornithological surveys to assess the owl’s breeding and habitat patterns in the region.
• From a conservation perspective, the finding reinforces the importance of protecting lesser-known habitats within Karnataka, which continue to support undiscovered or rarely documented species.