Cyprus Mail 22 March 2025 - by Charalambos Stylianou
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| Since the launch of a national initiative in 2021, rodenticide use has dropped by up to 60 per cent, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pest control |
A natural solution to Cyprus’ rodent problem is proving highly effective, with the barn owl emerging as a powerful ally in reducing the use of toxic rodenticides.
Since the launch of a national initiative in 2021, rodenticide use has dropped by up to 60 per cent, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pest control.
Coordinator of the national action plan for the reduction of rodenticides at the ministry of agriculture, Haris Nicolaou, described the results as highly promising.
“The barn owl is doing the job that rodenticides used to do, only without cost and in a way that respects nature,” he told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
The programme, which has an annual budget of €65,000, involves multiple government departments, including the forestry department, the department of agriculture, veterinary services, the game and fauna service, and BirdLife Cyprus. Together, they aim to cut down the use of toxic baits in fields and replace them with biological pest control using barn owls.
Barn owls are natural rodent hunters. A single pair can consume up to 6,000 rodents per year. “Instead of spreading chemical baits and harmful substances, we encourage the presence of barn owls, which help control rodent populations naturally,” Nicolaou explained.
As part of the plan, special nesting boxes are being built and distributed.
“These nests are placed in strategic locations by local councils, farmers, and livestock breeders. The goal is to expand the barn owl population in key areas where rodent infestations are common,” Nicolaou added.
Beyond nest distribution, researchers are also studying the biology of barn owls through tracking and monitoring. Nest cameras and bird-ringing techniques help experts understand the movement and behaviour of the owls, ensuring the programme’s effectiveness.
Educational campaigns are also in place to raise awareness among farmers, local authorities, and the wider public.
“We must promote the importance of barn owls and encourage people to maintain and protect their presence in rural areas,” Nicolaou said.
The initiative has drawn international attention, with Cyprus becoming the first European country to adopt barn owls as a primary method for biological rodent control. At a recent conference in Greece, experts highlighted the country’s pioneering role in sustainable pest management.
Looking ahead, Nicolaou hopes for further reductions in rodenticide use and an increase in the barn owl population.
“The more barn owls we have, the fewer chemicals we need. This is a win-win for both farmers and the environment.”
