In the past couple of years we have seen an increase in raptors coming into the center exhibiting symptoms of rodenticide poisoning. Most of these raptors are Barn owls that sadly never make it through the night. By providing habitat (nest boxes) and promoting their natural pest control abilities we want to reduce the use of rodenticides in Belize creating a safer environment for not only Barn owls, but other predators that suffer the consequences when they eat these poisoned rats.
For the past 10 years the center's seen an increase in the use of rodenticides in the country that is reflected in an increase in raptors (especially Barn owls) exhibiting poisoning symptoms. We know people and companies use rat poison in their crops/houses so we want to show them an alternative way to deal with rats by installing Barn owl nest boxes and using the natural pest control the owls provide for free. The boxes along with non-toxic products will create a safer environment for wildlife.
Providing habitat to Barn owls will allow the birds to have a safe space to reproduce while we conduct an educational campaign about the use of alternative methods for rat control, as well as promoting the benefits of having barn owls as neighbors, which includes the predation of about 8000 rats in a year per reproductive pair. The people involved will be trained to use and deploy a rat poison alternative and will also be encouraged and trained to monitor the reproductive cycle fo the owls.
This project will help people and companies use a more sustainable, wildlife friendly approach to pest control by using both natural pest control (Barn owls) and a non-toxic product (Evolve) that will reduce the fertility of the rodents. The goal to install 100 boxes per year will provide a safe environment for wildlife and the ecosystems in the surrounding areas.
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