In the heart of the Himalayas, where myths and nature intertwine, conservation biologist Raju Acharya has embarked on a unique mission to protect Nepal’s owls. By blending folklore, cultural awareness, and scientific conservation, Acharya has worked tirelessly to change public perception and ensure the survival of these enigmatic birds.
His efforts include publishing “Enchanted Feathers: Owl Stories from Nepal”, a collection of folklore about owls, and organizing an annual owl festival to celebrate and raise awareness about these often-misunderstood creatures.
Nepal is home to 23 recorded owl species, five of which are categorized as vulnerable. Despite their ecological importance, owls have long been shrouded in superstition, with many associating them with bad omens, witchcraft, or black magic. Through his work with Friends of Nature, a Kathmandu-based environmental NGO, Acharya is determined to shift these perceptions and promote conservation efforts.
“My current research explores cultural, religious, and dream interpretations of owls,” says Acharya. “Changing negative perceptions quickly is difficult, but success could pave the way for the conservation of other common species as well.”
Acharya’s conservation journey began years ago when he traveled to remote areas of Nepal and discovered disturbing practices—people consuming owl meat and trading the birds illegally. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, he became a key contributor to Nepal’s Owl Conservation Action Plan (2020), which addresses threats such as hunting, illegal trade, and habitat loss.
One of the plan’s major findings was that owl populations thrive in areas with a higher density of old trees. This insight has shaped conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and encouraging communities to protect mature forests.
“Our goals include changing local perceptions, building enforcement agency capacity, and improving owl habitats,” Acharya explains. “Additionally, we are working to raise awareness among students and the public by creating 100 conservation camps.”
Folklore as a Conservation Tool
Growing up in Pokhara, a city near lush forests, Acharya developed a deep connection with nature. His love for the environment was further strengthened during his academic studies in forestry and his field experience in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.
However, it wasn’t just science that shaped his conservation approach—it was folklore. Acharya discovered that owls have long been embedded in Nepal’s cultural and religious narratives. Some beliefs paint owls as mystical creatures linked to wisdom, while others see them as symbols of doom.
To address these misconceptions, he published “Enchanted Feathers: Owl Stories from Nepal,” a collection of traditional owl tales. Now, he is working on a new book, “Night Whispered,” which further explores the spiritual and cultural significance of owls while promoting positive perceptions of them.
“Science alone cannot change deep-rooted beliefs,” Acharya explains. “By using storytelling and cultural narratives, we can gradually shift mindsets and encourage conservation.”
Owls in Ancient Texts and Mythology
Owls, known as “Latokosero” in Nepal, appear in various historical and religious texts. In Hindu tradition, owls are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, symbolizing prosperity. However, they are also feared in some superstitions. Ancient Sanskrit texts refer to owls as “Uluk” and describe their distinct nocturnal calls.
In the Mahabharata, the great Hindu epic, the owl is depicted as a cunning predator, capable of launching surprise attacks. This is illustrated in the story of Ashwatthama, a warrior who was inspired by an owl’s midnight assault on a group of sleeping crows. This observation led him to stage a deadly night attack on his enemies, mirroring the owl’s stealth and strategy.
Despite such historical references, modern Nepalese society has developed largely negative associations with owls, leading to persecution and illegal hunting.
Owl Festival: A Conservation Triumph
To counter negative perceptions, Friends of Nature launched an annual owl conservation festival over a decade ago. The event, now in its 12th edition, has been a game-changer in shifting attitudes. The most recent festival was held in Mithila Bihari Municipality, Dhanusha, and was co-organized by Mithila Wildlife Trust.
The two-day festival featured:
- Community workshops on owl conservation
- Stalls and exhibitions showcasing Nepal’s bird biodiversity
- Traditional Mithila cultural performances
- Educational programs for students
Mayor Rajendra Prasad Yadav, along with other local leaders and conservationists, expressed commitment to owl protection. One of the festival’s biggest successes has been educating farmers about the vital role owls play in controlling rodent populations.
Why Owls Matter: Ecological and Agricultural Benefits
Owls play an essential role in Nepal’s ecosystems, particularly in pest control. A single pair of owls can consume 2,500–3,000 mice in just four months while raising their young. This natural pest control service reduces the need for harmful chemical pesticides, benefiting both agriculture and biodiversity.
Fascinating Owl Facts:
- There are over 200 owl species worldwide
- Owls are the only birds that can see the color blue
- They can rotate their heads 270 degrees
- An owl’s eyes make up 5% of its body weight
- Owls have exceptional 3D vision and sensitive hearing
- Fossils show that owls have existed for over 60 million years
Despite progress, owl conservation in Nepal still faces challenges. Poaching, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trade remain serious threats. Acharya emphasizes that while large species like tigers and rhinos receive conservation attention, smaller and less charismatic species like owls are often overlooked.
Friends of Nature aims to:
- Expand conservation education programs in rural communities
- Strengthen law enforcement against owl poaching
- Continue scientific research and habitat protection
- Organize more conservation festivals in different regions
A New Dawn for Nepal’s Owls
Raju Acharya’s work is a testament to the power of combining science, culture, and community engagement in conservation. His efforts have already changed minds, inspired locals, and set the foundation for long-term owl protection in Nepal.
“We still have a long way to go, but if we continue raising awareness, changing perceptions, and involving communities, owls will have a safer future,” says Acharya.
Through his books, research, and annual festival, Acharya is proving that even the most misunderstood creatures can find champions willing to fight for their survival. In the process, Nepal’s owls may no longer be seen as symbols of misfortune—but as guardians of the night, watching over forests and farmlands alike.
