Wildlife enthusiast Salma Sultana's awareness saves electrocuted barn owl in Silchar 

Wildlife photographer and enthusiast Salma Sultana’s awareness followed by the prompt action from Cachar Forest Division helped save a barn owl. Barn Owl is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world and one of the most widespread of all species of birds. But DFO Cachar Sunnydeo Choudhury says, though widely spread, the bird is not that common in Cachar.

While riding on a two-wheeler, Salma Sultana and her friend spotted the owl lying on the ground near Devdoot Point at the heart of the town. They stopped their vehicle to check on the condition of the bird. Being a wildlife photographer and enthusiast, Sultana recognised the critical condition of the bird and immediately called the forest department.

“She had the contact and the awareness to inform us and that played a vital role in saving the bird,” informed DFO Cachar, Sunnydeo Choudhury. “After getting the information, our officers rushed to the spot and took the bird to the veterinary hospital where the doctors treated it. While initially, the bird was almost unconscious, it responded well to preliminary treatment and started showing signs of recovery,” informed the DFO.

The bird has been kept under observation as its legs are still shivering. Once it recovers fully, it will be sent out into the wild once again, where it belongs. “After treatment, the doctors diagnosed that the barn eagle got electrocuted,” added DFO.

This barn eagle is not the only wildlife that got electrocuted, recently, reports of a few more such cases have surfaced, said the DFO. “We will write to the APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Corporation Limited) requesting them to cover wherever the wires are uninsulated. This will help save lives,” said the DFO.

Using this owl’s rescue as an example, the DFO said that if the public remains aware as Salma Sultana was, jointly, many more lives can be saved.