Quarry work halted near Hyderabad to protect rare rock eagle owl and its eggs

Hyderabad: Stone quarrying in Telangana’s Vikarabad district has been temporarily stopped after a rare rock eagle owl was found nesting with its eggs at the site. The decision was taken to ensure the bird can safely hatch its eggs without disturbance.

The Telangana Forest Department acted immediately after wildlife photographers and conservationists reported spotting the owl and five eggs in the Yenkathala grasslands. District Forest Officer Gnaneswar said that photographer Manoj Kumar Vittapu informed senior forest officials about the nesting site earlier this week.

Forest staff visited the quarry, alerted the unit owner Laxma Reddy and requested that all operations be paused. The owner agreed to halt work until the chicks hatch and are strong enough to fly. Officials are now monitoring the area daily to ensure the bird remains undisturbed.

The rock eagle owl is a rare species found mainly in rocky landscapes across South East Asia. Although not endangered, sightings are uncommon. Forest officials estimate the eggs may hatch within 15 days, and the young owls are likely to take flight in another 20 to 25 days if the site remains protected.

Vittapu, who spotted the eggs during a birding trip on November 30, said they were located between a quarry cliff and the ground. Mining work was stopped just in time; continued activity could have destroyed the eggs. Animal activists and WWF members have also coordinated with forest authorities to safeguard the nest.

The quarry owner said he suspended operations after being informed about the presence of the rare bird and its eggs.

(with inputs from agencies)