Summary:
Later this month, they will organise an owl festival, aimed at school students, in the semi-urban and rural areas where owl trade is rampant. Thousands of these birds are killed for black magic practices during this time. Due to their distinctive physical features, some species — like the spotted owl or the mottled-wood owl — are more sought after. The numbers are higher during Diwali and Laxmi puja in some places — like in West Bengal during Kojagari Laxmi puja. Ornithology experts feel raising awareness and busting myths is the only way to protect the owls.“No accurate owl census has ever been done..