birding-aus
Nigel,
Some time ago you posted a query on birding-aus in relation to utilising
owls instead of pesticides in sugar-cane in N. Qld to control pests. I
meant to post a reply but did not get around to it at the time.
John Young has been a driving force in getting farmers around Ingham to
get owls back into their fields to control the main pest - rats (2
native species). John saw the owl population (mostly Barn, Masked and
Grass) drop to drastic levels and began his campaign. He also played a
major part in having 'Kleerat' withdrawn from the market - the pesticide
responsible for the decline.
Now, quite a number of farmers have erected 'owl boxes' and hunting
perches throughout their fields and apparently this coupled with better
farming practices is proving quite a successful substitute for
pesticides. From memory, after 12 months - of something like 28 boxes
erected, 27 were occupied, mostly with Barn but apparently at least one
with Masked, and some were rearing broods. John had also convinced some
farmers to leave a couple of acres of grass in a corner or two of their
property for Grass Owls. ABC did something on it somne time ago - was
probably 'Landline' I think but I may be wrong.
It seems as though the good news is spreading. Recent word is that some
Mossman cane growers are now considering putting in owl boxes.
Best wishes,
Lloyd Nielsen
Mt Molloy NQ 4871
To unsubscribe from this list, please send a message to
Include "unsubscribe birding-aus" in the message body (without the quotes)
|
