Short-Eared Owl Welfare: Open Habitat Loss in the UK

Short-eared owls rely on open moorland, grassland, and coastal marshes for hunting, and are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and afforestation reducing suitable foraging areas.

Key Facts

Short-eared owls hunt small mammals, mainly voles, over open ground in daylight hours
UK breeding population is estimated at 620-2,180 pairs with significant annual variation
Afforestation of moorland and agricultural intensification reduce hunting habitat availability
Vole population cycles heavily influence short-eared owl breeding success and welfare

Welfare Considerations

Short-eared owls face welfare challenges linked directly to habitat quality. Loss of open hunting ground forces owls to travel further for food, increasing energy expenditure and reducing breeding success. During vole population troughs, owls may face periods of nutritional stress. Illegal shooting and persecution on some driven grouse moors remain welfare threats. Maintaining open habitat networks across the landscape is fundamental to owl welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support organisations working to restore and maintain open moorland and grassland habitats
Oppose inappropriate afforestation of owl hunting habitat on moors and marshes
Report suspected persecution incidents to wildlife crime units
Participate in owl monitoring schemes to track population trends