Environment experts of Sistan and Baluchestan Province sighted a rare species of long-eared owl in the no-hunting area of the province for the very first time. Iran has identified over 520 bird species among which 370 reside in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Mehr News agency quoted provincial director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Saeid Mahmoudi as saying. He attributed the richness of the species to the geographical location and the proximity of this area to bio-geographic regions.
The long-eared owl is 40 cm in length, and is partially migratory, moving south in winter from the northern parts of the temperate range. Overall, these owls are “secretive,” and are rarely seen.
