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Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Description:
Small owl, white below with a buff and gold back with fine brown markings.
Habitat:
Favours grassland, natural or man-made. Pastures, roadside verges and crop-lands are used.
Threats:
Some newer rodenticides are very dangerous for this species. Removal of dead trees and large hollows needed for nesting is another threat. These owls are often hit by vehicles, having been attracted to the grass alongside roadsides for hunting.
What can we do?:
Retain potential nesting habitat (tree hollows). Avoid using the most dangerous types of rodenticides (see link below for an article detailing this issue). Consider the possibility of encountering wildlife when driving at night and adjust speed accordingly.
- Fauna: