Gyöngybagolyvédelmi Alapítvány

Why is barn owl conservation necessary?

The barn owl is a cosmopolitan nocturnal hunter. It is closely associated with people with the species foraging, nesting and roosting around human settlements and in agricultural areas. Barn owl populations have been decreasing across developed countries over the previous decades. The main causes of this decline are; the loss of traditional nesting sites (eg. old farm buildings and open spires), the intensification of agriculture and loss of suitable foraging habitats. Without intensive protection and without work to change public attitudes towards the barn owl, the long term survival of these marvellous birds is in doubt.

How many breeding pairs can we find in Hungary?

The number of breeding pairs varies from year to year, depending on the previous winter (one single harsh winter can kill almost 60% of the population). Officially, it is estimated that there are around 1000 pairs in Hungary (this number is only the small proportion of the former population in the 19th century).

How can we protect barn owls in Hungary?

There are six important elements of barn owl conservation: 1) Annual barn owl monitoring, 2) Active barn owl protection in buildings, 3) Habitat monitoring and management, 4) Education of children, 5) Rescue and rehabilitation of injured owls and owlets, 6) Raising awareness via frequent media publicity.

Within Hungary, the availability of suitable foraging habitats does not currently represent a significant problem for the conservation of barn owls, although a very real threat does exist in relation to possible future loss of such habitats through changes in farming practice.

The lack of safe breeding-sites and low public awareness regarding the vulnerable status of the barn owl however represents a constant problem for the conservation of the species. The Hungarian barn owl population is limited by the availability of suitable breeding-sites, most commonly church spires, abandoned farmhouses and agricultural buildings. Consequently, it is necessary that barn owl conservation be focused on the continued provision of such suitable open buildings.

A traditional conservation method is the installation of nest boxes. Whereas formerly nest box were mounted externally, we currently often choose either the complete or partial reopening of the spire (with the nest box inside of the dome not on the window). This method provides a safer environment for chicks in their early development.

The education of children represents one of the most beneficial tools in achieving long-term nature conservation objectives. We frequently give talks in schools and deliver field-based education for children aged between 8-18 years.
The BOF, Hungary also runs a sanctuary for injured barn owls and a non-stop emergency phone line (+36 20 322 5620). Our volunteers collect injured barn owls from across the entirely of Hungary, benefited by close co-operation between the Hungarian national parks and the BOF.

What else benefits from barn owl conservation?

The barn owl meets all the criteria of a flagship species, this helps to encourage support and acknowledgement from the general public. Its vulnerability and attractiveness, and its association with human settlements and rural hunting habitats make the barn owl a symbolic animal of the traditional countryside.
The protection of barn owls can therefore be beneficial for other endangered animals that are dependent on traditional landscape management, these include bats, little owls, tawny owls, Scops owls and many others.
Natural/traditional countryside management is not only of great importance with regards to biodiversity, but it also contributes to the successful resurrection and maintenance of vanishing rural lifestyles, organic food production and healthy countryside recreation.

How can you actively take part in barn owl conservation?

We need help with:
• Fieldwork (barn owl monitoring, ringing, nest box installation etc.)
• Barn owl emergencies (driving)
• Increasing the public awareness (advertising the goals and importance of barn owl conservation, recruitment of new owl friends)
• Fund raising
• Securing and preparing international applications in English

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