Conclusions
Mark Browning’s efforts, so far,have developed into a two-prong project: to utilize raptors as part of an Integrated Pest Management program and to reestablish barn
owls in an area where they had once been extirpated. As far as is known, such an experiment has never been conducted on the grounds of a zoo logical institution. Positive results could potentially benefit such institutions by using this as a low-cost, natural pest control and the institutions could provide more safe havens to these vulnerable raptor species. On a conservation note, this project could also help reduce or eliminate the need for rodent poisons or traps. Mark Browning wanted barn owls to “get out there and start breeding on their own.” With the help of the distributed nest boxes, he believes the animals will essentially establish themselves as
local residents and part of the local indigenous wildlife population. This is quite notable, since the subjects studied are probably the first breeding barn owls in Allegheny County in quite some time. Mark hopes to eventually get funding for
satellite telemetry, which is a new tool for wildlife research and management. It determines the location of the bird, throughout the world, by transmitters that are attached under its wing. This would help with monitoring the movement of the species, enabling researchers to see the distribution, preferred habitats, and where they feed. The loss of nesting sites and lack of natural habitat has practically wiped out the
barn owl population in Pennsylvania and several other states. With Mark’s efforts to reintroduce this species to our area, satellite telemetry would definitely benefit this
project by making it easier to monitor barn owls in a wider range.