OLEH LIZAWATI MADFA
BY: LIZAWATI MADFA
SUBANG JAYA, NOV 25: A pilot project using Barn Owls as rat-control agents in Subang Jaya is showing positive results.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) lecturer, Prof Madya Dr Hafidzi Mohd Noor said that the biological approach saw eight pairs of Barn Owls released around Bandar Sunway, SS14 and SS15 in February.
He said every bird is placed with a sensor and monitored via transmitter radio.
“Through monitoring, we have observed that the female birds are more consistent and were tracked in Bandar Sunway for 16 nights in 40 different locations. In fact, photos of them catching and eating the rats were also taken.
“This is a good sign that they will continue to stay in a certain area as there is enough food which in this case are rats.
“Meanwhile, the male birds were seen moving in a broader area. However, we are certain they will return, as owls have only one partner in their life cycle,” he said.
Besides UPM, the project also received the support of Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and SJ Echo.
At the same time, Hafidzi said that ten more pairs are expected to be released in December.
“However, before that we would like to have the public’s response on this project.
“We want their views on whether the presence of these Barn Owls is acceptable or otherwise,” he said.
To date, there are approximately 30 UPM and USM researchers and students distributing feedback forms around the said areas to obtain feedback from the public.
