A new scientific study has recorded eight owl species across Guwahati, highlighting the city’s rich nocturnal biodiversity and the importance of protecting its remaining green spaces, Assam Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said on Wednesday.
The research also identifies urban noise as a major challenge in detecting these elusive birds, underlining the need to make conservation an integral part of urban development.
Published in the journal Urban Ecosystems, the study 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. The six other species recorded were the Brown Hawk Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Mountain Scops Owl, Oriental Scops Owl and Asian Barred Owlet.
These findings serve as a reminder that our cities support a diverse range of wildlife, even when many species remain hidden from everyday view. Owls play an important ecological role, including helping to control rodent populations naturally. Protecting their habitats can therefore benefit both biodiversity and urban communities.
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. The study highlights why scientific monitoring must account for detection challenges when assessing urban wildlife populations.
“As Guwahati continues to expand, we have an opportunity to build a future in which development and nature progress together. Conserving existing vegetation, wetlands, mature trees and green patches can help sustain wildlife habitats amid changing land use. Considering noise pollution in urban planning and strengthening long-term wildlife monitoring can further support these efforts,” the Minister said.
“Every owl that thrives in our city is a reminder that a greener, more wildlife-friendly Guwahati is possible when conservation becomes part of the way we plan our future,” he added.
