Dinosaur of the week: Little Owl

I’ve rarely spotted any wild owls throughout the years, and although Athene noctua has been quite audible since we came to Algeria we only saw them first late this summer.

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22689328/0 lists the major threats to the species:

• habitat changes, including the loss of suitable nest-sites
• the use of pesticides
• a reduction of prey items such as voles and earthworms through industrialised farming practices
• agricultural intensification
• ground clearance
• excessive use of toxic chemicals
• road traffic deaths
• loss of nest holes from the felling of old hollow trees and the restoration of old buildings
• severe winters