Barn Owl population on the rise in North Tipperary
Because of conservation efforts the number of barn owls in the midlands is rising
TIPPERARY County Council has been doing great work to preserve Barn Owl populations in Lower Ormond, Cllr Michael O’ Meara told a recent meeting of Nenagh Municipal District.
As a result of the dedication of the Council, the population of barn owls has started increasing in North Tipperary for the first time in 20 years, the Councillor pointed out.
He urged farmers and other members of the public to stop using poisons to kill rodents, as these result in the deaths of owls who consume poisoned prey. He pointed out that thankfully the amount of rodenticide being used by landowners is generally on the decrease. “Besides, having barn owls on your land is a good thing as rats and mice are a part of their diet.”
The councillor said there are 30 barn owl boxes now in North Tipperary and ten of them have breeding barn owls and chicks in them.
“We put up four boxes on my farm and we now have four chicks in two of these boxes, which we are thrilled with. A quiet shed or a tree in a field are good locations for the boxes.”
The councillor urged other landowners and farmers to get involved in the Council's project, as it's emotionally very rewarding.
“One box costs €300, however the Acres agri-environment scheme covers this cost. If you contact Teagasc or your agricultural adviser they will fill you in about the Acres grant. It's a fairly simple process applying for it. Once you have the box, the District Conservation Officer for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dr Áine Lynch, will tackle all the practical stuff for you. She puts the rings on the birds' legs, she checks their health, she provides practical information.”
Barn Owls are a red-listed species in Ireland, which means they are at risk of extinction.
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