Barn Owl Welfare and Rodenticide Risk

Barn owls face significant welfare threats from rodenticide poisoning, loss of rough grassland habitat, and road traffic mortality.

Key Facts

The UK barn owl population recovered to around 4,000 pairs after a population low in the 1990s
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) accumulate in owls through prey species
Studies find SGAR contamination in up to 80% of barn owls tested post-mortem in the UK
Road collisions during low-level hunting are a major source of barn owl mortality
Barn owls require 30 hectares of rough grassland habitat to raise a brood successfully

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide poisoning causes barn owls to die from internal haemorrhage, a prolonged and painful process. Even sub-lethal contamination impairs blood clotting and increases the risk of fatal trauma from collisions. Road mortality causes traumatic death or serious injury. Habitat loss through agricultural intensification reduces prey availability, causing nutritional stress particularly during breeding. Barn owl boxes in suitable habitat increase breeding success and provide welfare benefit by reducing nest site limitation.

What You Can Do

Avoid second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and use trapping or alternative pest control
Install barn owl boxes on suitable buildings and trees in rough grassland habitat
Report barn owl road casualties to local wildlife trusts for post-mortem screening
Support agri-environment schemes creating rough grassland margins for hunting owls