Pilibhit Tiger Reserve increased patrolling across all five forest ranges in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of Diwali over fears of owl poaching driven by superstitions. Forest officials stated that the precautions were taken because some people believe sacrificing owls in occult rituals brings financial prosperity. Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Manish Singh said special vigilance arrangements were active across the reserve, and anyone caught capturing or trafficking owls would face strict action under the applicable forest laws. “We are treating concerns over owl hunting in the name of superstition and occult practices seriously,” Singh said. The forest department deployed special teams to monitor vulnerable locations, forest-fringe villages and stretches along the India-Nepal border. Officials appealed to residents to reject superstitious practices and cooperate with authorities in protecting wildlife.
This is part of our Diwali campaign: see what to do before, on the night and after, and who to call, on our Diwali page.
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Pilibhit Tiger Reserve stepped up surveillance across all five forest ranges in Uttar Pradesh to prevent owl poaching and the illegal wildlife trade linked to superstitious beliefs and occult practices.…
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