Using Barn Owls (Tyto alba erlangeri) For Biological Pest Control In Israel
Agricultural pests come in all forms, but worldwide it is small mammals, mostly rodents, that are responsible for the destruction of about 35% of the total world agriculture. To combat rodents, farmers use rodenticides. However, these pesticides are relatively ineffective as they are short-lived
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During the late 1960’s, hundreds of birds of prey (some of them threatened and endangered species) were killed throughout Israel from secondary poisoning after eating rodents that had been poisoned with rodenticides.
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Once farmers grasp the concept that their ‘winged’ neighbours can help to solve rodent damage if they stop using poisons, Barn Owls and Kestrels will be able to rise to the occasion and control rodents. By living in harmony, both farmers and these birds will be able to benefit from living in co-existence. As we are just beginning to understand the power of nature we realise its many economic benefits, even in modern times. As Barn Owls and Kestrels truly know no boundaries, they not only solve economic problems, but are also bringing peoples together. This is very much needed in the Middle East.
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During the late 1960’s, hundreds of birds of prey (some of them threatened and endangered species) were killed throughout Israel from secondary poisoning after eating rodents that had been poisoned with rodenticides.
…
Once farmers grasp the concept that their ‘winged’ neighbours can help to solve rodent damage if they stop using poisons, Barn Owls and Kestrels will be able to rise to the occasion and control rodents. By living in harmony, both farmers and these birds will be able to benefit from living in co-existence. As we are just beginning to understand the power of nature we realise its many economic benefits, even in modern times. As Barn Owls and Kestrels truly know no boundaries, they not only solve economic problems, but are also bringing peoples together. This is very much needed in the Middle East.
Great stuff.
Related: Pigs Instead of Pesticides – Pesticide Laced Fertiliser Ruins Gardens – posts on birds
that is so horrible those birds were unsuspectingly poisoned, when all they are doing was literally protecting the agriculture!
Nature vs nature…I love it
In the East, they eat farm rodents. That takes care of the problem right there.
Where exactly are they doing that?
Is there a bird watching location i can go to and see them in action?
To Johnny: I just came back from there; it’s difficult to see it unless you are accompanied by people who deals with the project (I was there as a journalist). one of the places of the project is Kibbutz Sde Eliahu in the Jordan Valley; you can try to contact Dr Yossi Leshem or PhD Motti Charter (American PhD working on the subject there), they are very responsive. Meanwhile you can watch in live a nest box filmed with an Infrared camera at the following adress:
http://video.tau.ac.il/General/birds
good luck
Its true nature versus nature. Sometimes its the answer
Those owls prove to be very useful and farmers everywhere are using them for rodent and pest control. Too bad we can’t use owls in our home for rodent and pest control. But then again, I’m happy that I do not have to use them because that would mean I have a huge infestation issue with rodents! haha
This is perfectly true. Pesticides and the like may be good for species they are intended for but they poses significant threat to others.
In the East, they eat farm rodents. That takes care of the problem right there.
These are really terrible facts which are disturbing the balance of nature… but still people are still unaware about its consequences which our next generation can face because of our deeds. Its really a necessity of time to protect our nature and lets not play with it. Because if we will not get it serious. nature will also treat us the same way. Oh GOD save us from nature revenge.