Why Are Owls Reluctant to Live in Artificial Houses? IPB University Academics Reveal the Solution
Responding to a question on the digitani.ipb.ac.id platform regarding why owls do not want to enter or come to the artificial houses provided, IPB University experts revealed the reasons behind this.
Bonjok Istiaji, SP, MSi, a lecturer in Plant Protection at IPB University, explained that the effectiveness of owls as natural pest controllers has been proven. The Tyto alba owl has long been known as a natural predator of rice field mice. However, he emphasized that the approach cannot be partial.
“Many data show that Tyto alba is effective in suppressing rat populations. However, that does not mean that simply building owl houses will automatically control rats,” explained Bonjok.
According to him, owls are only suitable for keeping rat populations low. If rat populations are already high due to poor agricultural management, the presence of owls alone is not enough.
“Tyto alba is not a machine that always obeys human desires. We need a comprehensive approach to address the root of the problem,” he added.
Bonjok also revealed the main reason why owls are reluctant to occupy artificial homes. Ecological factors are key to success.
“Failure to understand the needs of Tyto alba is the main cause. Food sources, habitat, tranquility, predator disturbances, and various aspects of ecological niches must be considered,” he said.
To attract owls to settle, Bonjok suggested measures based on observation and ecological engineering. “First, observe whether there is a Tyto alba population in the area. If there is, just lure them in because the ecology is already suitable,” he explained.
However, if there is no owl population, a comprehensive evaluation is needed. “Ecological engineering needs to be carried out so that the environmental conditions are supportive.”
In fact, he said, small factors such as the materials used to build the houses, the thickness of the walls, the direction they face, the community’s habit of burning straw, and disturbances from children and hunters must be taken into account. “All of these factors influence the success of owl houses being occupied,” he concluded. (dr)(IAAS/RWA)
