Common rat poison is killing threatened local owls.
Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (or SGARs) cause internal bleeding when ingested and are becoming an increasing risk to Australian wildlife.
These specific rodenticides are regulated in the US, Canada, and across the EU. However, in Australia, SGARs are readily available for public purchase from supermarkets, hardware shops, and online.
In November of 2021, a member of the public reported a deceased Powerful Owl in Byles Creek, Beecroft. After collection by Birdlife Australia, the necropsy and liver sample revealed that the Powerful Owl had ingested a SGAR.
‘The Powerful Owl who we named ‘Elias’ was an older male, in good condition and size,’ say Georgia Cameron, Michael Bianchino, and Trish Brown, who had rushed to retrieve the deceased owl’s body, storing it for Birdlife. Georgia, Michael, and Trish are involved with local initiative the Powerful Owl Project. ‘It’s awful to think that ‘Elias’ was a victim of these toxic poisons in our very own backyard.’
Powerful Owls are a threatened species. The Project tracks the diminishing local population and serves as their voice. Other than the SGARs, these animals are increasingly made vulnerable as a result of habitat loss, illegal tree-clearing, hazard reduction burns, and often become roadkill victims.
Birdlife Australia are petitioning the Australian Government to ban SGARs. At the same time, as governance moves slowly, solutions to the problem of secondary poisoning begin in each Australian home.
Ways to avoid purchase of SGARs are by making a home less rodent friendly. The Powerful Owl Project mention keeping a tidy garden, storing pet food indoors, sealing entry points in roofs and cavities, and consulting environmentally friendly pest controllers.
The Powerful Owl Project is fighting for additional signage on local roads to alert drivers that these animals are present and to be vigilant.
Find out more here www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison