India: Two poachers were on Tuesday caught with four Indian eagle-owls near Chikkodi in Belagavi district while they were delivering the birds to a ‘potential customer’ they had met on an online portal.
Little did they know that they were walking into a trap laid by forest department officials. Bahu Saheb Annappa and Pramod Hippani Saheb, both from Maharasthra, were transporting the four owls in two carton boxes on a Bajaj Discover bike when they were apprehended. Officials suspect the duo is part of a large gang based out of Kerala. The kingpin, who was with the duo, however, escaped.

According to officials, the forest department came to know about online advertisements offering to sell Indian eagle-owls last month.
Though the accused dragged the negotiations for nearly six hours to check the buyer’s veracity, they finally agreed to deliver the birds near Chikkodi on National Highway-4 around 4.30pm.

About the species

Indian eagle-owl, also known as rock eagle-owl, is a nocturnal species commonly found in the Indian subcontinent. Scientifically known as bubo bengalensis, they are usually found in hilly and rocky scrub forests.

According to wildlife conservationists, there is a lot of superstition attached to the Indian eagle-owl, which is considered a symbol of luck. Some believe they can speak and predict the future, so they are starved and beaten to make them speak. Bones of the owl are considered as trophies that bring luck.

(Source: The Times of India)