"Owls are associated with misfortune and superstition in some African cultures, but the birds could bring good fortunes to farmers if they utilise them to their advantage, experts have said. A research by experts from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (Sua) has established that utilised effectively, owls could be one of the most effective ways of driving pests out of farms. We decided to conduct a research after realising that farmers lose between five and 15 percent of their maize harvest per year due to rats." - Berdina Majinge
"Many zoonotic diseases are sensitive to changes in climate as a result of shifting habitats that introduce contact between humans and new species, as well as alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns. In a recent Viruses study, researchers discuss correlations between the emergence and spillover of bat-borne diseases and climate events and changes."
"Bat population declines are costing American farmers as much as $495 million each year, finds research published this month in the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists."
"A barn owl recently flew into a bathroom at the school and was unable to exit the building. The local SPCA released and collected it and after a checkup by JWV it was decided to release the owl back into the school."
"Researchers from Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II in Portici, Italy found that the animals imitate the buzzing sound of hornets to discourage predatory owls from eating them."
"Experts have shared their top non-toxic tips for getting rid of rats, including a cheap fix sitting in your kitchen. Carrying diseases that can be transmitted via urine and droppings, as well as wreaking havoc in your green space, rats are considered to be unwelcome visitors by many. Although there is a wide array of rat repellents available on the market, these often contain harmful chemicals that can also destroy the rest of your garden."
"Experts: Why owls are valuable in agriculture"
