General
Could barn owls help predict or control costly mouse plagues in Australia and overseas?
As a mouse invasion spreads through New South Wales and Queensland, researchers are investing in a natural hero … the humble barn owl.
Key points:
- Some researchers believe barn owls could be used to predict and control mouse numbers
- Funding is being sought for a project to install nest boxes on SA’s Yorke Peninsula for the owls
- But CSIRO research officer Steve Henry fears there “aren’t enough owls” to combat or control mouse outbreaks
South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula has been a popular testing ground for the hypothesis that barn owls, which are found across Australia, could be good pest controllers.
Now, Natural Resources Northern and Yorke team leader Max Barr is hoping to secure funding to install barn owl nest boxes across most of the…
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