BIONATURE

Owls (order: Strigiformes) are among the most ecologically significant nocturnal raptors, playing a vital role in ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations and serving as indicators of environmental health. Despite their importance, owls remain poorly studied in many parts of India, including Chhattisgarh, a state characterised by extensive forest cover and rich biodiversity. This study represents one of the first systematic attempts to document the distribution, diversity, and habitat use of owls across selected forest divisions of Chhattisgarh. Surveys were conducted from 1983 to 2025 using nocturnal field walks, call surveys, and opportunistic observations across multiple habitat types, including tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, agricultural landscapes, and village fringes. A total of 17 owl and owlet species belonging to the families Strigidae and Tytonidae were recorded. Among these, the Jungle Owlet (Glaucidium radiatum), Spotted Owlet (Athene brama), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), and Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) were encountered most frequently. Species richness was highest in mosaic habitats combining forest and agricultural land, indicating the adaptability of certain species to human-modified landscapes. However, larger forest-dependent species, such as the Eagle Owl, were restricted to undisturbed patches, highlighting their sensitivity to habitat alteration. The study also identified anthropogenic threats to owl populations, including habitat loss due to deforestation and road expansion, as well as negative perceptions rooted in local superstitions. Community interactions indicated the persistence of traditional beliefs associating owls with ill omens, which may hinder conservation efforts. The findings emphasise the need for long-term ecological monitoring, awareness programmes to address myths, and habitat-based conservation strategies. Establishing baseline data on owl diversity in Chhattisgarh provides a foundation for future avifaunal research and contributes to the broader understanding of raptor ecology in central India.