Wildlife

Long-Eared Owl UK Welfare and Monitoring

Long-eared owls are secretive birds whose UK welfare and population status is poorly known due to monitoring challenges.

Key Facts

Long-eared owls breed in dense woodland and hunt over open rough grassland
UK population estimated 1,800-6,000 pairs but data are poor
Vole population cycles strongly influence owl breeding success and condition
Continental migrants boost UK wintering numbers in irruption years
Owlets leave nest before fledging and are vulnerable during this period

Welfare Considerations

Population monitoring gaps mean welfare problems may go undetected. Rodenticide secondary poisoning through vole prey is a welfare concern similar to that affecting barn owls. Improving monitoring is essential to understand welfare status.

What You Can Do

Participate in long-eared owl monitoring surveys through BTO
Avoid using second-generation rodenticides near rough grassland hunting habitat
Support rural land management that maintains rough grassland for prey
Report long-eared owl sightings to BTO BirdTrack