Israel and Jordan Partner on Eco-Friendly Pest Control Using Barn Owls

Israeli and Jordanian scientists are collaborating on an innovative project that uses barn owls as a natural solution for pest control, reducing the need for harmful pesticides in agriculture. This groundbreaking initiative, which began decades ago, was highlighted at an international conference in Greece earlier this year, drawing experts from 12 countries.

By harnessing the owls’ natural hunting instincts, farmers can effectively control rodent populations without relying on toxic chemicals that harm the environment, wildlife, and human health. A single pair of barn owls can consume between 2,000 and 6,000 rodents annually, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pest control methods.

“A pair of barn owls can eliminate thousands of rodents each year, allowing farmers to stop using pesticides,” explains Yossi Leshem, professor emeritus at Tel Aviv University’s School of Zoology. What began with just a few nesting boxes on his kibbutz has now expanded into a national initiative, with over 5,000 nesting boxes installed across Israel and ongoing partnerships in Jordan, the Palestinian territories, Cyprus, and Morocco.

Leshem’s collaboration with Jordanian scientist Mansour Abu Rashid has been instrumental in expanding the project. Abu Rashid developed a radio transmitter system to track the owls, allowing for better monitoring and understanding of their movements across borders.

“Barn owls fly freely between Jordan, the Palestinian territories, and Israel,” says Leshem. “They symbolize cooperation.”

The success of this project not only enhances agricultural sustainability but also fosters regional collaboration, proving that nature conservation can be a unifying force.

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