A training program is underway in Gandaki Province to help protect owls, which are crucial for controlling rodent populations and safeguarding crops.
The program targets security personnel, Division Forest Office staff, community forest representatives, local political leaders and local youth. The training focuses on preventing the illegal trade and hunting of owls. Participants learn about the importance of owls, cultural beliefs that drive their illegal trade, and techniques for rescue and release. Sessions also cover the necessary actions outlined in the Owl Conservation Action Plan.
The training highlights regions where illegal owl trade is prevalent and identifies countries where live owls are trafficked from Nepal, based on various study reports. At the end of the training, participants make commitments to contribute to these conservation efforts.
A total of 11 training units will be conducted for approximately 220 enforcement agency personnel. Raju Acharya, Executive Director of Friends of Nature, along with six Eco Envoys, facilitated the sessions. Acharya emphasized that superstitions often fuel the illegal trade of owls. Recent studies show that around 1,500 owls are illegally exported from Nepal each year.
Raju Acharya, who has spent over three decades working on owl conservation, recently received the 2024 Whitley Award. The prize money from this award is funding the training programs, awareness campaigns, and the construction of artificial nests to combat the illegal trade and poaching of owls. Additionally, five “catapult-free zones” will be established as part of the conservation efforts.
