The Lakshadweep Administration had embarked on the ‘Pilot project on Biological Control of Rodents (Rats) by Using Barn Owls (Tyto alba) in Kavaratti Island’.
The barn owl is the most widespread land bird species in the world, occurring in every continent except Antarctica. They are one of the most widespread owls in the Indian Subcontinent.
These owls are medium-sized with long legs and wings and have a relatively shorter tail when compared to other similar sized owls.
Barn Owl exhibits dark eyes, and a distinct heart-shaped facial disc.
This owl doesn’t have the characteristic ‘woo-woo-woo’ hoot of owls and utters a screechy ‘shreeeeeeeee’ to protect its territory.
