Owl Festival in Dang Aims to Boost Conservation Awareness

Ghorahi (Dang), April 28: In a bid to conserve the endangered owl, a two-day festival is set to be held in Lamahi of Dang District on May 1–2.

The festival will take place at the Biodiversity Park in Lamahi and is being jointly organized by the Ajammari Community Forest Users’ Group and Prakitika Sathiharu. The event aims to raise awareness about owl conservation, as the bird is widely regarded as a “friend of farmers.”

According to Director Raju Acharya of Prakitika Sathiharu, this is the first time such a festival is being organized in Dang. He stressed the urgent need to raise public awareness to curb poaching and the illegal trade of owls. The Eurasian barn owl is among the endangered bird species highlighted during the event.

The festival also seeks to promote biodiversity conservation and encourage initiatives to protect owls for maintaining ecological balance. Similar festivals have previously been held in districts such as Dhading, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Kapilvastu, Dolakha and Khotang.

Chairman of the forest users’ group, Pavan Sharma Rijal, said local residents will be oriented on how to help protect owls. He noted that habitat loss due to modern housing and deforestation has posed a growing threat to the species.

The event will feature bird watching, a mini museum, a robot exhibition, and documentary screenings. Traditional sports of indigenous Tharu, Magar, and Kumal communities will also be showcased.

Although owls are found across Nepal, from the southern plains to the mountains, their exact population remains unknown. Hunting and trading owls is illegal in Nepal, with offenders facing fines ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 and jail terms of six to 12 months.

Globally, around 23 species of owls are found. In Nepal, out of 886 recorded bird species, 39 including owls, are considered endangered.

(RSS)