Wildlife

Barn Owl Conservation: Threats and Recovery Actions

Barn owls are iconic farmland predators that have declined significantly and benefit from targeted conservation and rodenticide-free farming.

Key Facts

UK barn owl populations declined by 70% during the 20th century but have partially recovered
Barn owls have the lowest metabolic rate of any bird of prey
They are highly sensitive to rodenticide poisoning through secondary exposure to poisoned prey
Nest box programmes have contributed significantly to population recovery
Hard winters are a major mortality cause as snow cover prevents hunting

Welfare Considerations

Barn owl welfare is affected by rodenticide exposure, which causes internal bleeding and impaired flight leading to starvation. Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are found in up to 80% of barn owls tested in the UK. Individual owls that ingest sub-lethal doses suffer prolonged welfare impacts before death or recovery. Conservation actions that remove rodenticides from the environment directly prevent welfare harms to barn owls and other raptors.

What You Can Do

Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in or around farm buildings
Install barn owl nest boxes in suitable locations - one pair per square kilometre
Report barn owl sightings to local wildlife trusts for population monitoring
Support campaigns for stronger regulation of rodenticides harmful to wildlife