Barn Owls

Why in news?

• Lakshadweep Island administration plans to use more Kerala barn owls to kill rats

About Barn Owls:

• The barn owl is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world.
• The barn owl is found almost everywhere in the world except for the polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Himalayas, most of Indonesia, and some Pacific islands.
• The barn owl is a medium-sized, pale-coloured owl with long wings and a short, squarish tail.
• Globally the bird is considered to be of least conservation concern by IUCN.

Why they are needed in Lakshadweep?

• Rats cause severe damage to the Lakshadweep island's coconut yield and economy.
• The islands have no other natural predators of rodents.
• Using chemical agents is impossible since Lakshadweep practises organic agriculture.
• Moreover, coconut trees on the islands are so closely planted that their fronds overlap, allowing rats to practically live atop the trees.
• Barn owls are extremely efficient predators of rats and pilot experiments using three owls have been extremely successful.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Barn Owls:
1.They are endemic to Indian subcontinent.
2.They are considered “endangered” as per IUCN red list data.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question