Environment Ministry launches rescue program for barn owls

The Environment Ministry has launched a rescue program for the barn owl which is on the verge of extinction in the Czech Republic, the ctk news agency reported.

There are only about one hundred and twenty pairs of this species left in parts of north-western Bohemia, whereas one hundred years ago tens of thousands of pairs of barn owls lived in the country.

Their demise is mainly due to intensive agriculture and the use of the Stuttox II poison against voles.

The ministry’s program should ensure their safe breeding and nesting in protected areas.