The common barn owl (Tyto alba) has made a comeback in the agrarian park of Sant Boi de Llobregat after years of decline. Once a familiar sight in local farmhouses, the nocturnal bird’s population had plummeted due to the widespread use of pesticides and chemical rodenticides.
This year marks the second consecutive season in which a pair of barn owls has successfully bred in a nesting box installed at the Can Xagó farmhouse. The initiative, led by the Santboian study centre La Rutlla, was supported by property owner Joan Rivas.
Conservationists note that barn owls play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, making them invaluable allies for farmers. Alongside the owl, La Rutlla’s nature commission also works to support other beneficial species such as the little owl (Athene noctua) and the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Installing nesting boxes helps compensate for the loss of traditional breeding sites caused by the disappearance of inhabited farmhouses.
Despite this positive step, challenges remain. The barn owl’s population across Catalonia is estimated to have fallen by half in recent decades, with road accidents among the leading causes of mortality.
For Sant Boi, however, the successful breeding is a hopeful sign that targeted conservation efforts can help restore balance between agriculture and wildlife.
👉 Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel to get all of the latest news delivered to you
