The barn owl returns to populate the Po Valley, and its food remains also "tell" researchers about its hunting habits: these are the first data from the project which involved the installation of 10 nests in barns, attics and ancient buildings in the open Brescia countryside, created by Parco Natura Viva of Bussolengo (Verona) with the support of Italmark.
In an area where the barn owl has lost 50% of its specimens in the last three decades, the objective is to offer it a "home", to restore the original coexistence between the nocturnal bird of prey and agricultural activities.
The University of Bologna analyzes the scientific samples, with the team led by Mauro Delogu.
Bones of common starlings and brown rats were found in the "wads" (regurgitation) left by barn owls in the nests.
Organic material compatible with predation, different from feeding habits in the remains of owls and hawksbills, which are insects, passerines and voles.
Three out of 10 nests were frequented by barn owls, and in one of these the year-end inspection confirmed the presence of a pair.
The prediction is that the upcoming breeding season may see the return of new specimens.
But the nests also hosted eight owls and two owls.
Also assisting the activities is the "Il Pettirosso" wildlife recovery center in Modena, which treats injured barn owls and releases them to their areas of origin after rehabilitation.
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