Identification
Size:
- Body length (subspecies Bubo nepalensis nipalensis): 61 cm. This is a large owl species. The underparts are generally pale white, and it has prominent dark brown ear tufts. The beak is pale yellow. At night, from its roosting site at the edge of the forest, it emits a loud “hoo, hoo” call, repeated every 1-2 minutes.
Biology and Ecology
The Spot-bellied Eagle-owl (Bubo nepalensis) inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen broadleaf forests, Dipterocarp forests, and open forests, sometimes with interspersed bamboo. It can be found up to an altitude of 1,200m. It is a resident species with a relatively wide distribution, typically found singly or in pairs in locations such as Cat Tien National Park (63), Yok Don, Dak Lak (38), and Cuc Phuong, although it is very rare. Samples have been collected in the Northwest region of Vietnam (11, 108), but surveys in the Northwest in the 1990s did not rediscover it. Like other owl species, it hunts at night, preying on other animals. It is easily observed during the day when the bird is resting under the forest canopy or when calling loudly while foraging. It nests in tree cavities, possibly reusing old nests of other raptor species. The breeding season is from February to June, with a clutch of one white egg. Egg dimensions: 61.2 x 49.8mm.
Distribution
- Within Vietnam: Northwest (Lai Chau, Muong Nhe), Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam: Binh Duong (old province), Dong Nai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak.
- Worldwide: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia.
Value
A beneficial species that preys on rodents. The population is not large, and it is rarely encountered.
Conservation Status
Currently very rare. The owl’s habitat, including its nesting sites, is being lost and heavily impacted. Its food source may also be indirectly poisoned by human activity. According to [Source Document], it is a species threatened with global extinction. Further research and investigation are needed, along with measures to prevent hunting and trading (in 1994-1995, a stuffed specimen was displayed for sale in Da Lat City), and to strengthen conservation efforts and promote conservation education within local communities.
Classification
CR C2a.
Conservation Measures
Decree 48/CP of April 22, 2002, of the Government strictly prohibits the hunting and trade of Spot-bellied Eagle-owls (Group IIB). The national parks mentioned above are locations where Bubo nepalensis has been recorded in Vietnam in recent years.