The Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl, scientifically known as Bubo Nipalensis, was recently observed for the first time in the Seshachalam forest and for the third time in Andhra Pradesh. Its previous sightings were at Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl: An Overview
Commonly referred to as the Forest Eagle-Owl, this owl species is typically found in wooded environments like forests and rocky hillsides. These unique birds are recognized for the distinctive spots on their belly. The Spot-Bellied Eagle Owls are potent predators, large in size and bold in demeanor. One notable characteristic of these birds is the strange human-like scream they emit, which has earned them the moniker ‘Ghost of the Forest’ in India.
Distribution of the Species
The Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl species can be traced across various geographical locations. These large owls are found in Indian subcontinent countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. They are also distributed across Southeast Asian countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. China and Sri Lanka also serve as habitat for these intriguing birds.
Prey and Hunting Habits
These owls have a varied diet habit, primarily preying on large birds. They are also known to hunt and feed on mammals like golden jackals, hares, civets, and chevrotains.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized the Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl under “Least Concern”. In addition, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the species is listed under Appendix II.
Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve holds significant importance as it has been the site for multiple Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl sightings. Officially declared as a sanctuary in 1978, it was recognized by the Project Tiger initiative in 1983. It is currently the largest tiger reserve in India and was renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992.
Covering five districts across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the reserve consists predominantly of the Nallamala Hills. The Krishna River runs through the basin of this huge reserve which also houses the multipurpose reservoirs- Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar. This vast habitat has proven beneficial not just for tigers but also for species like the Spot-Bellied Eagle Owl, offering a safe and bountiful environment.
