The little owl, introduced to Britain in the 19th century, has declined significantly in recent decades as farmland management changes reduce invertebrate prey availability and nest site access.
Little owls on degraded farmland face reduced prey availability from loss of permanent pasture and invertebrate-rich habitats. Loss of old trees and farm buildings removes nest sites that pairs may have used for decades. Juveniles dispersing in autumn face high road mortality risk. Individual birds that fail to find sufficient prey in poor quality habitat face the welfare harm of chronic food insecurity and potential starvation.