Rare Oriental Scops Owl Spotted Amid Leopards in Jaipur’s Jhalana Forest

Jaipur: In a remarkable wildlife sighting, the rare winter migratory bird, the Oriental Scops Owl, has been spotted once again in Jaipur’s Jhalana Forest, home to approximately 45 leopards. Wildlife expert Rohit Gangwal confirmed the sighting, noting that this species, primarily found in East Asia, rarely visits India, making its appearance in Rajasthan particularly noteworthy.

Journey from East Asia to Rajasthan
The Oriental Scops Owl is native to several countries in East Asia and migrates in limited numbers to India during the winter months. Its presence in the arid regions of Rajasthan is considered significant for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. The owl typically remains hidden in dense trees, which makes its detection and monitoring challenging.

Return After Two Years
According to Gangwal, the species was first recorded in the Jhalana area in 2017 and continued to be sighted regularly for a few years. However, sightings had ceased over the past two years, making its recent appearance an encouraging sign for bird lovers and scientists alike.

Indicator of a Healthy Urban Ecosystem
Experts suggest that the return of this rare migratory owl to an urban forest like Jhalana indicates that the environment and biodiversity of the area remain healthy and well-preserved. Its presence reflects the effectiveness of forest conservation efforts, providing a safe haven not only for local species but also for migratory birds.

Jhalana: A Leopard and Wildlife Haven
Jhalana Leopard Reserve is India’s first urban wildlife reserve, renowned for leopard conservation. Spanning around 20 square kilometers, it hosts over 45 leopards and their cubs. The coexistence of these big cats with rare migratory birds like the Oriental Scops Owl underscores Jhalana’s importance as both a wildlife tourism and research destination.

The sighting has sparked excitement among nature enthusiasts, highlighting the continuing significance of urban forests in preserving India’s rich biodiversity.