Wildlife network issues advisory to increase efforts to curb trafficking of owls on Diwali

Wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC has issued an advisory to enforcement agencies, asking them to increase efforts to curb trafficking and sacrificing of owls on Diwali for 'tantric' rituals.

TRAFFIC India, which operates as a programme division of WWFIndia, the largest conservation organisation in India, said as Diwali celebrations peak in India, so does the number of owls that are illegally trapped and sacrificed to supply 'tantric' rituals and ceremonies.

While the exact number of owls traded domestically is unknown, estimates place the figure in thousands of individuals throughout the country, it said.

"TRAFFIC has issued an 'advisory' to enforcement agencies calling for increased efforts to help curb trafficking and sacrifice of owls casting a shadow over the future of the species in India," it said in a statement.

The advisory comes following TRAFFIC's investigations into illegal owl trade in India, published in the report 'Imperilled Custodians of the Night'.

According to the report, owls are used and traded for a wide variety of purposes, including for black magic, street performances, taxidermy, private aviaries or zoos, food, use in folk medicines, capturing other birds, use of claws and feathers in making headgear, and its eggs are used in gambling.

Illegal trapping and trade peaks around Diwali festival, especially in northern India, it said, adding that occult practitioners drive consumer demand by touting the use of owl parts for purposes ranging from curing various illnesses to fighting the effects of evil spirits.

The body said birds are poached for their bones, talons, skulls, feathers, meat and blood, which are then used in talismans, black magic, and traditional medicine.

Owls, especially with 'ears' or tufts, are thought to possess greatest magical powers, and Diwali is claimed to be the most auspicious time for making owl sacrifices, it pointed out.

Of the 30 species of owls found in India, 15 have been found in illegal wildlife trade with spotted owlet Athene brama, Barn Owl Tyto albaand Rock Eagle-Owl Bubo bengalensis found to be the most commonly recorded species in trade.

"TRAFFIC's advisory is a strong reminder of rampant trade and sacrifice of owls in India. We urge enforcement agencies to strengthen wildlife law enforcement efforts around owl habitats, forest areas, and bird trade markets," said Saket Badola, IFS, head of TRAFFIC India.

Badola said as the practice of owl sacrificing begins with the start of Dussehra festival, moving onto Diwali, poachers involved within the bird trade are most active during this season.

"This is one of the most important times for enforcement agencies to remain alert and increase their vigilance," he said.

Owls in India are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act that prohibits hunting, trading or any other form of utilisation of the species or their body parts.

Their international trade is further restricted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

TRAFFIC India said owls play a vital role in local ecosystems.