Relevance: UPSC GS-3 (Environment & Wildlife Conservation); Source: Indian Express

At a quarry site in Telangana, five eggs of a Rock Eagle Owl were discovered just before mechanised stone lifting. Workers halted operations for nearly two months to protect the eggs, eventually enabling all five chicks to hatch—a rare conservation success driven by community action.

About the Rock Eagle Owl 

• A large nocturnal bird native to the Indian subcontinent.
• Habitat: Rocky cliffs, scrub forests, quarries and semi-arid landscapes.

Conservation Status:Conservation Status: Listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; classified as “Least Concern’’ by the IUCN.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Key Provisions

• Provides legal protection to wild animals, birds and plants.
• Creates Schedules I–VI, assigning graded protection.
• Schedule IV species like Rock Eagle Owl:
  • Protected from hunting and trade
  • Penalties for harm
• Empowers forest and police authorities for enforcement.

Q. With reference to the Rock Eagle Owl, consider the following statements:

1. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and prefers rocky and scrub habitats.
2. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
3. It plays a significant ecological role by controlling rodent populations.

Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3