Threatened birds vital to farmers

Owls are vital to farmers Beirut - Anwar Akl Daw If farmers knew the benefits of owls, they would stop using highly toxic pesticides that kill them in their droves and, instead, change their opinion on this bird that feeds on rodents and reptiles. If they could see this, then the owl would be given the respect it deserves. In the West, the owl is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, with Greek mythology, in particular, glorifying and valuing the bird. In Arabic tradition, however, owls have long been seen as an omen of destruction and ruin, roosting in huge trees in deserted lands where humans wouldn’t dare tread, their mournful cries piercing the dark and empty nights. Known scientifically as strigiformes, owls are a bird of prey with many different types, all of different size and colour. In Lebanon, there are five to six types explains Professor Munir Abu Said, head of the Centre for the Discovery and Preservation of Wild Life. However, they are all threatened with extinction. The reason for the threat, Abu Said clarifies, is the “exaggerated usage of pesticides, cutting trees, and urban expansion that mostly happens at the expense of their natural environment.” The centre focuses its efforts on educational and scientific programs for students and citizens, outlining the importance of owls in the ecological balance. Through these programs, the centre attempts to change the negative perception of the birds, in addition to treating them, rehabilitating them, and returning them to their natural habitat. Abu Said stressed that “as the number of owls decrease, the numbers of rodents does the opposite,” referring to the fact that owls kill rats and limit the damaging effect rodents have, especially for farmers." He stated that “the decreasing numbers of owls has already caused huge damage to Lebanese farmers, such as the disaster which affected apple trees in the north of the country as they were eaten by rats.” He pointed out that “these are laws in nature and we have to respect them. “We are encouraging farmers in Lebanon to use pesticides that leave no trace in dead rats, decreasing the risk to owls and asking them to refrain from cutting down dry trees where owls settle.” Unfortunately, though, he said that, while owls are nocturnal, many birds are brought to the centre having been shot by hunters who surprise them during day and shoot them as they fly, despite knowing that they are not to be eaten.