Barn Owl Sales On The Rise In Indonesia
- 7 years ago
Owls are on the hunt in a small Indonesian village, going after rodents and other pests that are damaging crops.
Since 2011, the Natural Predator Programme has raised about 2,000 barn owls, setting up nesting boxes so the birds can lay their eggs in a safe environment. When they are 4 months old, the young owls are released, often to hunt prey.
Owls have become increasingly popular in Indonesia due, in part, to the "Harry Potter" movies. Barn owls can sell for more than $100. Conservationists are trying to stop the practice, saying the birds of prey belong in the wild — not inside as domesticated pets.
Since 2011, the Natural Predator Programme has raised about 2,000 barn owls, setting up nesting boxes so the birds can lay their eggs in a safe environment. When they are 4 months old, the young owls are released, often to hunt prey.
Owls have become increasingly popular in Indonesia due, in part, to the "Harry Potter" movies. Barn owls can sell for more than $100. Conservationists are trying to stop the practice, saying the birds of prey belong in the wild — not inside as domesticated pets.