Heritage Council

Barn Owl Research Project

Press Release: 28/04/2009

A glimpse of the ghostly white form of a Barn Owl as it silently drifts over its foraging grounds at night is unfortunately a rare sight nowadays. This much loved farmland bird, once a more abundant feature of the countryside seems to have suffered dramatically in recent times. Numbers appear to be at critically low levels, and overwhelming anecdotal evidence (as voiced by farmers, birdwatchers and members of the public) suggests that a substantial population decline has taken place. Recent survey work, carried out by BirdWatch Ireland has provided evidence to support this, and the species is categorised as one of 19 resident Red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. Although they are an elusive species, and due to their nocturnal nature can be difficult to census, rough estimates would put the national population in the region of 300 – 400 pairs.
 
The reasons behind their decline are not fully understood, but are likely to be directly related to changes in agriculture which have taken place in the recent past. Specific alterations to the countryside which would have negatively impacted the Barn Owl population include the loss of small scale tillage, the change from hay to silage and the removal of hedgerows. The increased use of more toxic rat poisons is also likely to have played a role, as have the loss of traditional nest sites (through destruction, dilapidation and demolition) and the increased network of major roadways.
 
Although these are the main factors involved in the Barn Owls decline, unfortunately we are currently unaware of the extent to which each has been responsible. The Barn Owl has actually received very little attention in Ireland in the past and as a result there are large gaps in our knowledge of their ecology. The Barn Owl Research Project was therefore established in 2006 to tackle these issues. The project is a collaboration between University College Cork and BirdWatch Ireland and aims to increase our knowledge of basic aspects of Barn Owl ecology so that we can gain an insight into the reasons behind their decline. A greater understanding of their ecological requirements will then allow us to develop and implement effective conservation measures to help the population recover.

One of the most interesting findings which has arisen from this work, and which was very obvious from the early stages of the project is the fact that Barn Owls appear to be doing better in the south-west than in other parts of the country. Cork, in particular, seems to be one of the last strongholds of the population, holding just under 30% of all known active Barn Owl sites in the country, in contrast to this they have almost disappeared from other counties in the east and north-west. This year the research project has received funding from Cork County Council through the County Biodiversity Action Plan, and will focus attention towards attempting to identify the reasons why the county is seemingly more suitable for Barn Owls than other areas of the country. This knowledge is vital and will have massive implications not only for the future outlook of the species but also for the development of conservation measures further down the line. One potential reason behind the relatively high density of Barn Owls in Cork could be due to the fact that the Bank Vole, an introduced small mammal which Barn Owls feed on and appear to be benefiting from has been long established in county Cork and indeed the south-west in general, but is still absent from a large portion of the rest of the country.

One of the most important aspects of the work will be to assess the Barn Owls current status in Cork and to determine if the population here is remaining stable or is in decline. In order to do this we must first build on previous knowledge of the Barn Owls distribution and abundance across the county. To assist the project, please report any sightings of Barn Owls or areas where they are know to occur to the Barn Owl Research Officer, John Lusby, by phone 05791 51676, or email jlusby@birdwatchireland.ie. The project is also monitoring the success and benefits of installing nest boxes for Barn Owls and information on nest boxes previously erected would also be well received. All reports would be greatly appreciated and will be invaluable in helping to conserve this beautiful but endangered bird.

Notes for Editor:

1. The Barn Owl has experienced a dramatic population decline in Ireland in recent times. It is currently listed as a Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern, due to a decline of over 50% in its breeding population over the past 25 years.

2. The Barn Owl Research Project, which is a collaboration between BirdWatch Ireland and University College Cork was initiated in late 2006. The aims of the project are to identify the reasons behind the population decline, to increase our understanding of Barn Owl ecology, and to develop and implement effective conservation measures to help the species recover.

3. Previous to this work there has been very little research carried out on Barn Owls in Ireland. As a result our knowledge of their ecology is poor and previous conservation efforts have been largely unsuccessful.

4. The Irish National Barn Owl Survey, co-ordinated by BirdWatch Ireland recently estimated the population at approximately 300 – 400 pairs.

5. A quarter of all known active sites in the country are in county Cork.

6. Barn Owls typically nest in old ruined structures, such as castles, churches, ruined mansions, derelict farm houses and farm buildings, but also occasionally use mature trees with hollow cavities.

7. Barn Owls in Ireland are nocturnal, and they primarily hunt small mammals using their highly adapted hearing and keen eyesight. In Cork, the main prey items are Bank Voles, Wood Mice and Brown Rats, as well as Pygmy Shrews, House Mice and other prey items such as birds and frogs.

8. The Bank Vole was first discovered in 1964 in Co. Kerry. Recent research has revealed that it was probably accidentally introduced to Limerick on board machinery imported from Germany back in the 1920’s.

9. The Bank Vole now occurs throughout the south and mid-west of the country. It occurs throughout Cork and it is one of the main prey items of Barn Owls in the county.

For further information please contact:
John Lusby
Barn Owl Research Officer
BirdWatch Ireland
Midlands Office
Crank House
Banagher
Offaly
05791 51676
jlusby@birdwatchireland.ie