The Interactions between Barn Owls and Major Roads: Informing Management and Mitigation

The development and expansion of road infrastructures represents one of the most widespread forms of modification of the natural landscape over the past century. Roads have altered ecosystems and directly and indirectly effect a wide range of wildlife species. One of the most obvious effects of roads on wildlife is mortality caused by vehicle collisions. Barn Owls Tyto alba, due to their low flight and hunting behaviour, are particularly susceptible. Vehicle collisions are a major cause of death for Barn Owls and have been implicated as a contributing factor in the decline of their populations in Europe. The extent of road mortality and the route and landscape characteristics which influence risk of collision have been reported for specific road systems; however, the implementation of effective and evaluated mitigation solutions to minimise negative effects of roads on Barn Owl populations remains a significant challenge. In addition to knowledge on the nature and effects of road mortality, an understanding of the individual behaviour response and interactions of Barn Owls to road networks is necessary to identify potential for evidence-based mitigation solutions. In this context, to determine Barn Owl interactions with roads in relation to mortality patterns, we investigated: (i) the extent of road mortality and factors which influence Barn Owl vehicle collisions, (ii) the suitability of roadside verges for foraging Barn Owls, (iii) the spatial distribution, occupancy and breeding performance of Barn Owls in relation to road networks, and (iv) the foraging behaviour and movement patterns of individuals in relation to major roads.