How Barn Owls Guard Your City

Created By RISC | 2 years ago

Last modified date : 2 years ago

You’ve probably heard superstitions about barn owls bringing bad luck. ​

Thais traditionally fear bad things will happen if barn owls are found in a house. People may force them out of their community to live in temples or abandoned areas, where they’re seen as ghost birds. ​

But barn owls play a crucial role. In India, they’re revered for their ability to manage animal populations. They’re also a key indicator of biodiversity. ​

Barn owls feed on pests like rats, mice, insects, and poisonous reptiles. They control the populations of these animals. A barn owl can eat about two rodents each night, or 700 each year. They aren’t just harmless birds but our protectors. ​

Once we see that barn owl don’t harm us, we should let them live as they choose. ​

Story by: Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher, RISC