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DIWALI, the Indian festival of light that starts this week, is a celebration of life – but it means death for thousands of owls.

Shamans use owl body parts, including the skull, feathers, ear tufts, blood and beak, in rituals such as those for attracting wealth, curing fever and passing exams.

While precise numbers of owls being traded for black magic are unknown, the conservation group said in published on Tuesday that the practice is putting some species under threat. As owls are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is worshipped on Diwali, sacrifices rocket at this time of year.

All trade in wild birds is banned in India. However, a recent crackdown has paradoxically boosted trade in more lucrative birds, like owls. Buyers pay $67 for a barn owl and $900 for an eagle owl.

“Diwali should be a time for celebration, not one when our wildlife is plundered to feed ignorant superstition,” says Jairam Ramesh, India’s environment minister.