Current Context : First photographic record of a spot-bellied eagle owl recently reported in the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) Maharashtra.

ABOUT SPOT BELLIED EAGLE OWL:

• The forest eagle-owl is also known as the spot-bellied eagle-owl.
• It is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance.
• Scientific Name: Ketupa nipalensis
• It is a large species of owl.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV
  • CITES: Appendix II.

ABOUT PENCH TIGER RESERVE :

• Location: Southern reaches of the Satpura hills in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh
• Named after the Pench River, which flows from north to south through the Reserve.
• Flora: Teak, saag, mahua, and various grasses and shrubs.
• Fauna: Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur (Indian Bison) and wild boar.