Haldwani, Nov. 5 -- With Diwali approaching, the forest department has sounded a high alert against owl poaching in the Terai-Bhabar forests of Kumaon, including the Corbett landscape, amid concerns that wildlife poachers become active during the festive season, officials said. Surveillance has been intensified across forest areas bordering Nepal and Uttar Pradesh to curb the illegal hunting and smuggling of owls and other protected wildlife. According to chief conservator of forests (CCF), Kumaon, Tejaswini Patil, superstition and beliefs associated with occult rituals are among the primary reasons behind the seasonal spike in owl poaching. "There is a misconception that sacrificing an owl on Diwali pleases Goddess Lakshmi and brings wealth. However, there is no truth to this. The owl is a protected species, and strict measures have been put in place for its conservation," Patil said. She added that owls are found in substantial numbers across the Terai-Bhabar forests, and demand for the birds surges during Diwali due to their alleged use in black magic. As part of preventive measures, the department has deployed additional personnel and introduced GPS-enabled patrolling to bolster surveillance. Patrol data will be uploaded and analysed daily to identify vulnerable zones and ensure uncovered areas receive focused attention. Furthermore, the forest department has cancelled Diwali leave for ground staff, directing them to intensify monitoring in sensitive forest pockets. Alongside foot patrols, officials are utilizing camera traps, drones, and mobile surveillance units to track suspicious movement. Nodal officers have also been appointed in every forest range to monitor GPS patrol data and redirect field teams where necessary. Officials said the illegal wildlife trade in the region extends beyond owls. Poachers also target tigers, leopards, hyenas, and monitor lizards, selling their parts under the pretext of mystical or medicinal properties....