In many countries raptors are still persecuted by farmers who fear on their poultry farmyard and/or for reasons of superstition (owls particularly) .
For conservation purposes, awareness programs on the ecological pest control roles of those species could eventually reverse this situation to encourage farmers to protect these raptors instead as collaborators in the elimination of crop pests. what could be the best approach and how this can be demonstrated?
Predation by birds is also likely to be critical in maintaining insect populations at low levels and in extending the period between population inuptions. Managing forests to increase habitat favorable for insectivorous birds would be likely to increase further the positive effects of bird predation on forest pest species
Dear Imad,
Take a look at the manuscript attached. Overall, the authors show that the introduction of falcons to vineyards was associated with a significant decrease in the abundance of some species of Passeriformes that are considered vineyard pests. Additionally, they indicate that the reduction in the number of grapes pecked in vineyards due to falcon's presence could potentially result in savings of 234 US $/ha - 326 US $/ha in vineyards.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Hi! I think facts coming out of simple studies could be used to convince people. Please check this article out -http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/magazines/conservation/9573-owls-of-the-forests-edge.html
Best wishes,
Hi.
You can take a sample of pellets (especially of owls) in order to show to the farmers that birds and prey and owls are important predators of rodents and other animals which are not good for cultivations. We have done this in the Canaries with young people in schools and in the field, and the results were really good. Another method can be the use of photos of good quality showing owls and diurnal bird of prey which have captured rats, mice and other preys. In my own experience, perception of public about owls and other birds can change using such methods, but it's true I haven't worked with farmers.
Best regards, and good luck in your work.
We need to educate the and demystify traditional/ancient views that have been associated with these birds. My people in Zimbabwe and my other African countries believe that an owl is an omen of bad luck and that owls are associated with witchcraft. These beliefs have been long held and to remove them needs a lot of education. Even with the education I have had, i still find it difficult to trust the owl. I think there must be campaigns to educate the communities about the important roles that these birds play in the ecosystem
Cher Imad
Demostration is the best option to show the possitive impact of owls and falcons on the abundance of "vermine".
In Spain there are several examples of encouraging the establishment of barnowls on cultures. Having the involvement of some farmers to promote the use of owls for control of rodents and insects will show the rest the importance of having those alies in their fields.
Also useful with children is the analyses of owl and kestrel pellets to show the consuption of insects and rodents, thus environmental education is also critical. At SEO/BirdLife we are used to this kind of activities.
As you probably know, barn owl is the bird of the year 2018 in Spain (https://www.seo.org/2018/01/02/la-lechuza-comun-es-el-ave-del-ano-2018/).
Cheers
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