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

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) Forest Owlet

Explanation:

The Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti), an endemic species of owl found in Central India, has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2018. This bird species is primarily found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Information Booster:

Discovery of Forest Owlet:

• The Forest Owlet was first discovered in 1872 by the British ornithologist Captain H. H. Blanford and was thought to be extinct after a few sightings.
• It was rediscovered in 1997 in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, sparking interest in its conservation.

Forest Owlet:

• Scientific Name: Athene Blewitti
• Family: Strigidae (Typical Owl Family)
• First Described: 1873
• Rediscovered: 1997, after being considered extinct since 1884

Distribution:

• Endemic to central India's forests
• Found in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and some areas in Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Habitat:

• Tropical and subtropical moist lowland woods
• Dense deciduous woodlands
• Open dry deciduous teak woods
• Tropical and subtropical dry forests

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• CITES: Appendix I

Additional Knowledge:

• Long-eared Owlet:
  The Long-eared Owlet is not listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is found in parts of Europe and Asia, with a relatively stable population.
• Barn Owlet:
  The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is widespread globally, and although it is facing some threats due to habitat loss, it is not considered endangered.
• Snowy Owlet:
  The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. It is not endemic to Central India.