Barn Owl Conservation and Rodenticide Risks

Barn owls are iconic UK birds of prey that have recovered from population lows but face ongoing threats from rodenticide poisoning, habitat loss, and road traffic.

Key Facts

UK barn owl populations fell by over 70% during the 20th century due to intensification and habitat loss
The Barn Owl Trust estimates the UK population at around 4,000 pairs
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are found in a high proportion of barn owls tested post-mortem
Nest box programs have been highly successful in supporting barn owl populations on farmland
Barn owls are specialist hunters of short-tailed voles and require rough grassland within hunting range
Road traffic kills a significant number of barn owls hunting along verges, which concentrate prey

Welfare Considerations

Barn owls poisoned by rodenticides experience anticoagulant toxicity - a slow process of internal hemorrhaging that may take days before death occurs. Individuals weakened by sub-lethal poisoning are more vulnerable to starvation and road traffic. While the species has recovered as a whole, secondary poisoning represents ongoing preventable individual suffering at scale across agricultural landscapes.

What You Can Do

Install barn owl nest boxes on suitable farm buildings with habitat appropriate nearby
Advocate for restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide use near sensitive habitats
Support the Barn Owl Trust's monitoring and conservation programs
Drive carefully on country lanes at night particularly near rough grassland and hedgerows
Encourage farmers to maintain field margins and rough grassland to support barn owl prey populations