Syangja: The Rolbaraha and Simriklek community forests in Rangbhang Bhainsegaunda, located within Putalibazar Municipality-2 in Syangja, have been officially designated as protected zones for owls. This critical conservation step includes a ban on the use of catapults, aimed at safeguarding the owl population and other wildlife species in the area.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the initiative is spearheaded by conservationist Bal Kumar Gurung, who stated that seven species of owls have been documented in these forests. In conjunction with the designation, 113 ancient trees within the forests are now under protective measures to further enhance conservation efforts.
Raju Acharya, a renowned conservationist and Director of Friends of Nature, has pledged to contribute the 50,000 Euro prize money he received from the Whitley Award towards owl conservation in Gandaki Province. This funding is part of the government’s 10-year Owl Conservation Plan, which aims to curb slingshot use, protect old-growth trees, install artificial nests, and prevent the poaching of owls.
Gurung, who also serves as the chairman of the Bhaisegaunda Community Homestay, highlighted the ecological and tourism importance of the forest. Located approximately at the midpoint of the 72-kilometer Millennium Trek route, which connects Dulegaunda in Tanahun to Rambachha in Syangja, the forest holds significant potential for tourism development alongside conservation efforts.