The animal

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The owl

In the agricultural landscapes of Provence, the Little Owl of Athena is a small owl that discreetly watches over the balance of nature. This small nocturnal raptor, plays a key role in controlling populations of insects and small mammals (rodents), thus contributing to the health of local ecosystems. However, this once widespread species is now in worrying decline. The erosion of its traditional habitats, the disappearance of its nesting sites, the increasing scarcity of its prey and the intensification of farming practices are threatening the owl's future. With its regional population in steep decline (a 25% drop in numbers over the last 15 years) the Pygmy Owl is a threatened species, and its conservation requires targeted action.

Aware of the fragility of this balance, the Ross'Wild fund provides financial support for the regional action plan for the conservation of the Little Owl, led by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur LPO (copyright photos : Martin Steenhaut-martinsnature.com - LPO PACA).

Scientific research and monitoring

Scientific research and monitoring

In order to measure and better understand the impact of environmental factors on the Little Owl, scientific monitoring is carried out within the framework of a banding program approved by the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle; in particular, this enables long-term study of the species' main reproductive parameters, based on pairs monitored in nesting boxes.

Nest box installation

Nest box installation

The installation of nesting boxes helps to offset the loss of habitat and the disappearance of nesting cavities available to this species as a result of constant urbanization in Provence, often at the expense of farmland, the restoration of old buildings (mainly farm sheds) and the disappearance of old trees.

Caring for young owls

Caring for young owls

Every year, the Centre régional de sauvegarde de la faune sauvage takes in between 10 and 20 owls. Once deposited in a veterinary clinic, it is considered too late and too risky to attempt to return these young birds to the site where they were found. They are therefore bred in captivity until they reach full physical capacity, during a period spent in a rehabilitation aviary.