PTR on high alert against owl poaching ahead of Diwali

Daltonganj: With Diwali approaching, the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has stepped up surveillance across its forest divisions to prevent the trapping and hunting of owls, which become particularly vulnerable during the festive season due to superstition-linked demand.Forest officials said owls are often targeted ahead of Diwali because they are associated with goddess Lakshmi and are believed by some to bring wealth and prosperity. The birds are also sought for occult and tantric rituals, with body parts such as bones, claws, skulls, feathers and meat reportedly used in talismans.“We are alert to the threat faced by owls during this period. Forest guards and trackers have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance,” said Kumar Ashish, deputy director, south division, PTR.Officials said special attention is being paid to people carrying slingshots, a commonly used tool for hunting or injuring birds. Personnel deployed at PTR’s eight check posts in the south division are conducting intensified inspections of visitors, cyclists and their belongings.The check posts are located at Garu, Rud, Vijaypur, Netarhat, Sohar, Aksi, Bareysanr and Maromar.“Owls are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Hunting, poaching or trading in owls is a punishable offence,” a forest official said.Stay updated with the latest Ranchi news. Download the TOI App.