AGRA: In a shocking incident that proves poaching and illegal trade of wildlife species continues to be prevalent in India, an Indian Eagle Owl was seized from a poacher near Bodla market, Agra.
The bird was under the care of wildlife conservation organisation Wildlife SOS and after careful observation was soon released back into its natural habitat.
A call on the Wildlife SOS 24 hour helpline number(9917190666) alerted the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit to the seizure of a rare owl from Bodla market, Agra. Enraged by the sight of the bird being exploited as a means of duping curious bystanders in the market area, a concerned animal lover immediately reported the incident to the local police authorities.
Unfortunately, the handler fled the scene before the police could take strict action against him, on grounds of illegal possession of a protected wildlife species. Wildlife SOS was notified of the seizure shortly after and a two member rescue team was deployed to the location.
The team identified the owl as an Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis) also called the rock eagle-owl or Bengal eagle-owl, a species of the large horned owl found in the Indian Subcontinent. They are a protected species and arelisted under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), which regulates the international trade of wildlife species.
GeetaSeshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS said, "The Indian Eagle owl is one of five most traded owl species in the illegal wildlife market making it a target for poachers. They are coveted for their false feather ear tufts which are believed to have mystical properties. Such blind faith has led to exploitation of this unique wildlife species, thus threatening their very existence in the wild."
