Which endemic species of owl of Central India is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List since 2018?

The correct answer is Forest Owlet.

Key Points

• The Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) is an endemic species to Central India.
• It has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2018.
• This species was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1997.
• The Forest Owlet is primarily found in the forests of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
• Its population is estimated to be fewer than 250 mature individuals, making it critically endangered.

Additional Information

• IUCN Red List:
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity.
  • It provides information about the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species.
  • Species are categorized into nine groups: Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct.
• Endangered Species:
  • Endangered species are those at a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
  • Factors contributing to the endangered status include habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent their extinction.
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Conservation efforts for endangered species like the Forest Owlet include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and breeding programs.
  • Organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and BirdLife International are actively involved in such efforts.
• Habitat of Forest Owlet:
  • The Forest Owlet prefers deciduous forests with dense undergrowth.
  • Conservation of these habitats is crucial for its survival.