Editorial photo #14005301 Human Interest
Nepal: Wildlife – Spotted Owlet
A Spotted owlet yawns while perched on the wall of a house on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, on July 25, 2026. Found across Nepal from the tropical Terai to the Himalayan foothills, owls inhabit forests, farmlands, wetlands, and human settlements. As nocturnal birds of prey, they control rodent and insect populations, helping maintain the balance of ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. During the monsoon months of June to August, young owlets are frequently observed after leaving their nests as they develop hunting and survival skills under the care of their parents. Despite their ecological importance, owls in Nepal face threats including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, superstition-driven persecution, poisoning, and increasing human disturbance. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)
