Rare bellied Eagle-Owl
The rare Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl has been photographed in Kozhikode's Janakikkad forest, establishing the district's first verified photographic record. The observation highlights Kerala's avian biodiversity and the conservation importance of forest ecosystems.
Rare Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Photographed in Kozhikode
Why in News?
- On 16 October 2026, a rare Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl (Ketupa nipalensis) was photographed in Janakikkad forest, Kozhikode district, Kerala.
- Wildlife photographer Sunil Tito and ecotourism guide Sudheesh A. documented the bird, establishing the district's first verified photographic record.
About Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl
- Scientific Name: Ketupa nipalensis (formerly Bubo nipalensis).
- Common Name: Forest Eagle-Owl.
- Local Names: Kolliyan and Kattumoonga.
- Order: Strigiformes.
- Family: Strigidae.
- Size: Approximately 55–65 cm long, weighing up to 2.5 kg.
- It is considered India's second-largest owl species.
Physical Characteristics
- Possesses prominent, outward-sloping ear tufts and deep-set dark eyes.
- Its pale underparts display distinctive dark, chevron-shaped markings.
- Brown, patterned plumage provides camouflage within dense forest vegetation.
- Powerful talons and a hooked beak support its predatory lifestyle.
Habitat and Distribution
- Distributed across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
- In India, it inhabits Himalayan forests, northeastern regions and the Western Ghats.
- Prefers dense evergreen forests, wooded valleys and high-altitude shola forests.
- In southern India, important habitats include Silent Valley, Wayanad and Periyar.
Feeding Behaviour
- Primarily a nocturnal and solitary predator.
- Feeds on snakes, small mammals and birds.
- Plays an ecological role by regulating prey populations within forest ecosystems.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC).
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, under the amended schedules.
- Habitat degradation and forest fragmentation remain conservation concerns.
Significance of the Discovery
- Janakikkad forest covers approximately 325 acres along the Kuttiady River.
- More than 160 bird species have been recorded in this forest.
- The photographic evidence strengthens biodiversity documentation and supports future ecological research.
Conclusion
The observation highlights the importance of systematic wildlife monitoring, habitat protection and community participation in conserving the Western Ghats' biodiversity.
MCQ – ENGLISH
Q. With reference to the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, consider the following statements:
- It belongs to the family Strigidae and is primarily nocturnal.
- It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
- It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is a nocturnal forest predator belonging to Strigidae. It is classified as Least Concern and occurs across South and Southeast Asia, not exclusively in the Western Ghats.