Owl protected zone declared in two community forests of Syangja

Gandaki, June 22: The Rolbaraha and Simriklek community forests based in Rangbhang Bhainsegaunda of Putalibazar Municipality-2, Syangja, have been declared protected zones for owls, with a ban on the use of catapult.

The initiative aims to conserve owls and other wildlife, according to conservationist Bal Kumar Gurung. He added that seven species of owls have been recorded in the area. Additionally, 113 old trees found within the forest are now under protection.

Renowned conservationist and Director of Friends of Nature, Raju Acharya, has already announced to contribute the 50,000 Euro prize money he received from the Whitley Award that was granted for owl conservation efforts toward bird conservation projects proposed by the Gandaki Province government.

As part of the government’s 10-year Owl Conservation Plan, the funds will be used to control slingshot use, conserve old-growth trees, install artificial nests, and prevent poaching of these predatory birds.

Gurung, who is also the chairman of the Bhaisegaunda Community Homestay, emphasized the ecological and tourism significance of this forest, which lies roughly at the midpoint of the 72-kilometer Millennium Trek route connecting Dulegaunda in Tanahun to Rambachha in Syangja.