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Barn owls play a vital ecological role in both rural and urban settings. An example of their worth has been taking shape at the Sasol Library at the University of the Free State (UFS)’s campus in Bloemfontein where a pair of barn owls has been nesting since 2016. Once a curious discovery by Tanya Scherman of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the owls have become a symbol of ecological balance and cross-departmental collaboration.
A conservation initiative
In 2023 concern grew after a distressed owl was found outside the library, most likely a victim of secondary poisoning from contaminated prey. The incident sparked a grassroots conservation initiative. Scherman consulted a local vet at the Owl Rescue Centre in Pretoria and Prof Francois Deacon, a habitat ecologist, of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS. Prof Deacon saw an opportunity for student involvement. Along with postgraduates Ruan Higgs and Kaitlyn Taylor, the team monitored the owls and focussed on the design of a safe nesting space.
Scherman and her father built a nesting box which was installed on a ledge in the library’s roof with the help of Deacon’s team. A motion-triggered infrared camera was installed to observe the owls discreetly, allowing for continuous, non-invasive monitoring. The response was immediate: In 2023, the pair raised two owlets. This year, six eggs were laid, and three owlets have already hatched.
Non-invasive monitoring
The motion-triggered infrared camera offers a rare, non-invasive view into the owls’ world. It captures feeding, chick development, and parental care data, now used for student research on diet, growth, and nesting behaviour. This type of passive monitoring provides long-term data without human disturbance.
Prof Deacon says barn owls serve a practical purpose. A single pair can consume hundreds of rodents in one breeding season, reducing the need for harmful pesticides. Pellet analysis has also revealed remains of small birds and insects, showing their adaptability in urban areas. However, urban threats like traffic and poisoning still put urban owls at risk. Scherman urges the public to contact her or Prof Deacon if injured owls are spotted or if there are concerns about owl safety.
The project has sparked interest across the UFS community. Prof Vasu Reddy, deputy vice-chancellor: Research and internationalisation, says what began as a disruption became a meaningful lesson in conservation and learning. It also challenges cultural myths about owls. While their ghostly appearance may seem unsettling, Scherman says they are widely seen as symbols of wisdom and protection – beliefs that education can help reinforce.
Widespread species
According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi), the barn owl – also called the ghost owl or nonnetjie-uil in Afrikaans – is one of the most widely distributed bird species globally, with nearly 35 species varying in colour and pattern. Three major lineages are recognised: The Western barn owl (Tyto alba affinis) found in Europe, western Asia, and Africa; the Eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica) found in East Asia and Australasia; and the American barn owl (Tyto furcata) found in the Americas. Some experts believe more subspecies may exist, pending further research.
Barn owls are closely related to the African grass owl (Tyto capensis) and the Madagascan red owl (Tyto soumagnei). They measure 30–33cm, with long wings and a short tail. Males weigh up to 410g and females slightly less. Both have similar plumage. Their upperparts are golden-brown with grey and black-and-white markings. The white, heart-shaped face, dark eyes, and pale beak give them a ghostly look in flight. Their underparts are white with fine brown spots, and their legs are feathered and greyish-brown.
Supporting owls on farms
Dr Beanélri Janecke, lecturer in Wildlife and Ecology at the Department of Animal Science and Manager of the Predation Management Centre at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UFS, says barn owls have an important role to play in farm ecosystems. These birds are a familiar sight on many farms. Farmers often spot them roosting in the roofs of sheds or other structures, whether or not those buildings are still in use. Open-roofed areas or places where owls can access roof spaces through broken windows or missing doors – such as tractor sheds and storage buildings – are frequently used. They’re even found in old, abandoned horse stables.
She says these owls play a critical role in controlling rodent populations and are excellent raptors, sitting at the top of the food chain. Their presence is especially valuable in storage areas where animal feed or grain is stored or kept in bags where mice can easily gnaw through and cause spillage or contamination. Rodents also pose a threat to irrigation systems by damaging pipes and infrastructure. On grain farms, barn owls along with eagle owls and grass owls help prevent crop damage by keeping rodent populations in check. They offer a natural, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and traps. Barn owls also prey on birds and insects, which can be beneficial on farms where such species might damage crops or orchards.
The role of nest boxes
Dr Janecke says many farmers are aware of these benefits and install nest boxes to encourage owls to remain on their properties. If a pair takes up residence, they can consume thousands of rodents in a single year. However, she cautions that the nest boxes must not be disturbed, especially during the breeding season. Barn owls are known to regulate the size of their clutch based on prey availability, producing more chicks when food is abundant. They often reuse the same nesting box for several years and may sleep in it even outside of breeding periods.
She strongly emphasises the danger of using rodenticides. It’s crucial not to use poison for rodent control. Owls can die from secondary poisoning after eating contaminated prey.
Build a nest box
For those interested in supporting barn owls, she offers practical advice on building a nest box. It is a simple wooden box measuring approximately 50 x 30 x 20cm with a sloped, waterproof roof. One side should feature a 10cm diameter entrance hole. The box must be weatherproofed and installed securely at least 3,5m above the ground. Dr Janecke says resources on nest box designs are readily available online and with just a bit of effort, farmers can create a safe habitat that benefits both the owls and their farms. – Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media.
For more information contact Dr Beanélri Janecke by janeckBB@ufs.ac.za.
