The rare 'Forest Owlet', considered one of the world's rarest hunting birds, has been sighted in Kuno National Park, marking a significant ecological improvement in the region.
Kuno National Park, known for being a home to cheetahs, has recently witnessed the remarkable reappearance of the 'Forest Owlet', a bird that was believed to be extinct for 113 years. Initially discovered in 1872, it was last seen in 1884, leading to its classification as extinct until its rediscovery in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district in 1997. This finding created a sensation in the field of ornithology, drawing attention to the bird's critical status and conservation needs.
Currently, the 'Forest Owlet' is found in fragmented forest areas of Central India, including locations in Madhya Pradesh (Khaknar, Piplod), Maharashtra (Toramala, Melghat), and Gujarat (Dangs, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary). The bird was previously known to inhabit only the eastern parts of Khandwa, Burhanpur, and Betul districts in Madhya Pradesh. Its recent sighting in Kuno signifies not only a recovery of the species but also serves as an indicator of improving environmental conditions within the region, potentially enhancing the biodiversity of the area.
The owl was first spotted in Kuno by a local tourism figure, Labh Yadav, during a region exploration. This sighting has sparked immediate interest from the forest department, given the bird's extremely limited distribution and its conservation status. The presence of the 'Forest Owlet' in Kuno is a hopeful sign for conservationists and a testament to the area's ecological recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of habitat protection for such rare species.
