Context

• With a thriving rat population playing havoc with its coconut yield, the UT of Lakshadweep hires barn owls for help.

Back to Basics

• Scientific name and meaning – (Tyto alba)
• Protected under Schedule 3 of the Wildlife Protection Act. 1972
• any kind of trade of the species is prohibited under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)
• IUCN- least concern.