In a rare and exciting event for wildlife enthusiasts, a pair of Dusky Eagle Owls (Ketupa coromanda) was recently spotted in the Phato tourism zone of the Terai West forest division, which borders the famous Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand.

This sighting is significant as the species had not been officially recorded in the region for over 15 years, with the last confirmed sighting dating back to 2010.

Key Details of the Discovery

• The Sighting: Naturalist Himanshu Tiruva documented the pair and captured photographs that have since gone viral among ornithologists.
• Location: The Phato zone, known for its dense canopy and proximity to water bodies, provides the ideal "old-growth" forest habitat these owls prefer.
• Significance: The Dusky Eagle Owl is an elusive, large raptor (48–58 cm) with striking yellow eyes. Because they are apex predators, their return is considered a "litmus test" for a healthy ecosystem, indicating a stable prey base and minimal human interference.
• Behavior: Unlike many owls, this species is partly diurnal, meaning it can be active during the day, particularly in cloudy weather.

Ecological Impact

Forest officials, including Chief Conservator of Forests (Kumaon) Dr. Saket Badola, credit the reappearance to robust habitat management and the protection of natural corridors. The presence of a pair suggests potential breeding activity, which would further establish the Corbett landscape as a critical sanctuary for rare avian species.

The discovery is expected to provide a major boost to birdwatching tourism in the Phato zone, which was previously primarily known for tigers and elephants.

Happy Questing 

@Tutan 

@iQOO Connect