Guwahati, Eight owl species have been recorded across Guwahati in a scientific study that also identified urban noise as a major challenge in detecting the nocturnal birds, Assam Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Wednesday.
Considering noise pollution in urban planning and strengthening long-term wildlife monitoring can further support these efforts, he added. The study, published in the journal Urban Ecosystems, documented owls in 24 of the 33 one-square-kilometre grid cells surveyed between November 2023 and July 2025.
The Barn Owl and Spotted Owlet were the most frequently detected species, while six other species of owls Brown Hawk, Brown Fish, Collared Scops, Mountain Scops, Oriental Scops and Asian Barred Owlet were also recorded, Baruah said. “These findings remind us that our cities support a diverse range of wildlife, even when many species remain hidden from everyday view,” he added. The study also highlighted why scientific monitoring must account for detection challenges when assessing urban wildlife populations, he said. Baruah said cities are not just spaces for people but also living habitats shared with countless other species.
“The research found that background noise, particularly the sound of traffic and the general urban environment, could mask owl calls and reduce the likelihood of detecting the birds. This means that an owl going unnoticed during a survey does not necessarily indicate its absence,” he added.
