Harry Potter Blamed for India’s Illegal Owl Trade

Is the world’s most famous boy-wizard responsible for a major wildlife trafficking crisis in India? That’s the story running in the news media this weekend after Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh commented on a new report out by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network. But according to the report, poaching for black magic rituals that have nothing to do with J.K. Rowling’s popular series is the biggest threat to India’s wild owls.

Report author and ornithologist Abrar Ahmed relates an anecdote in the preface about being asked to provide a snowy owl for a Harry Potter-themed birthday party. The inquiry was part of the inspiration for writing the comprehensive report on the plight of India’s owls. Unfortunately, many major news outlets don’t seem to have read any further into the report.

“The TRAFFIC investigation also finds that besides black magic, owls are trapped and traded for use in street performances; killed for taxidermy and for their meat; their parts are used in folk medicines; even their claws and feathers are sometimes used in headgear. Live owls are also used as decoys to catch other bird species.” The author details some of the inhumane practices employed in trapping and transport before the poor creatures meet their end, sometimes in ritual ceremonies during Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which started Friday.

Mr. Ramesh attended the launch of the report, “Imperilled Custodians of the Night,” and also said the following: “Owls are as important to our ecosystem as the Tigers or any other better known charismatic species. It is important that the threat to owls is brought to light during the festival of Diwali and concrete ground action is undertaken to curb such trade,” according to the TRAFFIC web site.

The owl report, which was sponsored by WWF and the Rufford Foundation, recommends much stricter enforcement of India’s existing wildlife capture and trade laws, rehabilitation of recovered owls, and public education to reduce demand.

Take Action

First, pledge not to buy exotic animals as pets. Abandoned pet owls are a trend that sanctuaries in the UK would like to stop, but owls aren’t the only exotic animal that makes a terrible pet. Wild animals belong in the wild.

Then, support policies that address trade in wild animals such as this one to extend the international ivory ban and this one to outlaw primates as pets in the United States.

Hedwig-like snowy owl photo by flickr user pbonenfant /CC 2.0

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Dee M.

4:15PM PDT on May 10, 2012

as usual the stupid humans just need someone to blame. and just like the Christians of old they will blame anyone that dares to like magick.

send a green star

K. J. N.

5:47AM PST on Jan 31, 2012

Give me a break. It's just a book. It have nothing to do with owl illegal trading...

colleen p.

3:56PM PDT on Apr 10, 2011

Oh India, silly silly. maybe we can make fake owl meat to sell to them, for gold and sell them fake owls for their majik.

but that is wrong. like selling moutain dew and calling it holy water.

Jami W.

6:22PM PST on Dec 1, 2010

what the hell does harry potter have to do with human stupidity

Angelica P.

9:20PM PST on Nov 26, 2010

How can people be so ignorant? Blaming a fictional character of a book? Oh, please!

Ellen R.

1:27PM PST on Nov 23, 2010

May the Creator protect all wild species from our greedy human species. The international pet trade is a holocaust for wild creatures. TOO MANY HUMANS IN THIS PLANET ...FAR TOO MANY.

Red S.

1:38AM PST on Nov 23, 2010

In my opinion Harry Potter is to blame for a lot of things...GROW UP HARRY!!

Kathryn J.

3:10AM PST on Nov 22, 2010

Only the ignorant or greedy people involved in this trade are to blame.

Manuela C.

2:49AM PST on Nov 22, 2010

The books/films are not to blame, only the cruel people behind the owl illegal trade are responsible!

Lim Y.

11:56PM PST on Nov 21, 2010

lol why dont we say "rare trees hav been chopped down for their wood to provide special wands meant for special rituals believed to invoke metaphysical powers similar to 'magic'."