The society said in a statement that the Barn Owl Protection Project for the year 2021 began a new curve of gains compared to its success last year when it witnessed a great demand for the use of nesting boxes by the owls. The results of the use of the nesting boxes reached 70-60%, as the same pair of owls returned to use the same box each season.
The society added that according to the study conducted during the previous years, it showed that the owl can successfully nest and brood in the boxes, especially in the breeding season. Therefore, the owl's nesting area is nearly free of rodents. The project seeks to assist farmers and birds alike. This is done by avoiding pesticides, producing natural crops that are given a free biological means to control rodents, and minimizing the use of pesticides that harm the ecosystem.
In 2021, the project included workshops for farmers who are part of the project, involving them in the process of monitoring and cleaning the boxes. Collectively they discussed advantages and problems they face and suggested solutions. Additionally they installed new boxes for farmers with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation providing better conditions for barn owl nesting.
The success of the project for the second year is added to the achievements that distinguishes Palestine in its continuous work to protect birds, especially the barn owl. The results of the project showed the farmers' joy in protecting their crops while also protecting the birds.
Since the launch of the project in the year 2019, the goals hae been conserving the barn owl, exchanging knowledge among farmers in the Jordan Valley, organizing visits of schools to the places where nesting boxes have been placed, and hosting field visits of the nesting sites for different groups within society.
