Wildlife

Little Owl Welfare: Farmland Decline in UK and Europe

The little owl has declined significantly in the UK and parts of Europe due to agricultural intensification and the reduction in invertebrate food availability on farmland.

Key Facts

Little owls were introduced to England in the 1870s and became widely established across lowland farmland
UK populations have declined by around 50% since the 1970s linked to agricultural intensification
They feed primarily on earthworms, beetles and small mammals caught on short grassland
Loss of permanent pasture and hedgerow features removes both foraging habitat and nest sites

Welfare Considerations

Reduced invertebrate food availability from intensified farmland management causes nutritional stress, particularly during the breeding season when demand for food is highest. Loss of old trees with natural cavities reduces nest site availability. Secondary rodenticide poisoning from eating poisoned prey is an ongoing threat. Road mortality is significant where owls hunt near roads at dusk.

What You Can Do

Create rough grassland margins and areas of permanent pasture on farms
Retain old trees with natural cavities for little owl nesting
Avoid second-generation rodenticides near little owl territories
Install little owl nest boxes on farms and in orchards in suitable areas