Natural History Wanderings

The Barn Owl Trust reports that barn owls are being poisoned by rodenticides and has organized a petition to stop the use of these poisons:

In 2013 across Britain, the number of Barn Owl nests varied between 45 and 95% lower than normal. Changing climate and habitat loss is part of the picture but Barn Owls are also being killed by powerful rat poisons used on farms across the country. Indeed, the latest scientific research shows that 84% of Britain’s Barn Owls feed on poisoned prey. Some die as a direct result.

It is highly likely that sub-lethal doses also have a negative impact (see below). Rodenticides can be used without any training and product labelling is inadequate and misleading

To learn more and sign a petition to help save the Barn Owls in the UK go to:  The Barn Owl Trust – Rodenticide campaign – OUR PETITION.