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Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

20/01/23 08:48 AM IST

Spot Bellied Eagle Owl

In News
  • A wildlife team recently stumbled upon a ‘Spot Bellied Eagle Owl’ (Bubo Nipalensis) for the first time in Seshachalam forest, and for the third time in Andhra Pradesh.
Spot Bellied Owl
  • The bird’s habitat, found on large trees in thick forests, is spread across the Indian subcontinent.
  • The bold predatory bird, measuring 20-25 inches in length and weighing between 1.5 kg and 2 kg, feeds on small rodents and lizards.
  • The bird makes a strange scream similar to humans and it is hence called the ‘Ghost of the Forest’ in India and ‘Devil Bird’ in Sri Lanka.
  • The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Status - Least Concern.
  • CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) status is ‘Evaluated’ for the spot-bellied eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis) and listed in Appendix II.
Seshachalam hill ranges
  • Seshachalam hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats lies in southern Andhra Pradesh, Peninsular India.
  • The ranges were formed during the Precambrian era (3.8 billion to 540 million years ago).
  • The hilly terrain is rugged and picturesque with gorges, steep slopes, plateaus and valleys.
  • This area is also famous for its beautiful waterfalls like Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana.
  • In 2010, it was designated as a Biosphere Reserve.
  • It has large reserves of red sandalwood which is used in medicines, soaps, spiritual rituals, etc.
Source- The Hindu

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