From the Wait, What? Category – Owls Being Killed for Black Magic in India

India has a problem with owls being killed and captured for use in rituals. The breeds in question number fifteen, including Rock-Eagle Owls and the smaller Spotted Owlet. Tantriks, or witch doctors in India, support the use of owl organs and body parts in ceremonial rituals.

Traffic India launched a report last week to coincide with the Indian festival of Diwali. Traffic is a worldwide organization that monitors illegal wildlife trade.

Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of Environment and Forest said at the launch, “Diwali should be a time for celebration across our nation, not one when our wildlife is plundered to feed ignorant superstition. India’s wildlife already faces many pressures; the additional burden of being killed out of ignorance and fear is not one that has any place in our modern society”.

The report can be downloaded here.