Is The 'Harry Potter Effect' A Curse For Owls In Indonesia?
The Harry Potter books and films may be driving a dramatic rise in the number of wild owls entering the pet trade in Indonesia
“Hedwig”. Captive adult male snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus. (Credit: Peter Trimming / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Everyone loves Hedwig, that enigmatic snowy owl who delivered Harry Potter's post and who was his steadfast companion throughout his school years. Unfortunately, Hedwig's international fame has come at a steep price, according to a recently published study: wild owls are increasingly subjected to poaching to satisfy the growing demands of the pet market in Indonesia.
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