Evaluating the Effectiveness of Barn Owl Predation in Managing Rodent Populations and Improving Maize Yields: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Abstract

This study in Isimani, Iringa, Tanzania, aimed to assess the impact of barn owl-based rodent management strategies (nest boxes and perching poles) on maize performance and rodent populations over two seasons (2023 and 2024) in Mkungugu, Ndolela, and Nyang’oro villages. The hybrid DKC-8075 maize was planted, and statistical analysis using ANOVA and regression revealed that nest boxes significantly (p < 0.05) improved maize growth, with higher leaf area (336.9 cm²), leaf area index (2.5), and plant height (140.8 cm) compared to perching poles and controls. Maize yield was significantly (p = 0.0129) highest in the nest box treatment (1486 kg ha-1), followed by perching poles (1268 kg ha-1) and control (953 kg ha-1). Rodent populations and biomass were significantly lower in the nest box treatment (8 rodents, 1262 g ha-1) compared to the control (27 rodents, 2781 g ha-1), with perching poles showing intermediate results (14 rodents, 1993 g ha-1). Regression analysis showed a strong negative relationship between plant height and rodent populations (R² = 0.84, p = 0.0002), indicating that barn owls, particularly with nest boxes, reduced rodent populations and improved maize yields. Rodent damage was minimal on farms with nest boxes and slight on those with perching poles, while farms without these interventions had higher damage. The study also revealed seasonal fluctuations in rodent populations, with male populations higher in 2023 but declining in 2024, and no significant sex-based differences in 2024. Seasonal variation in barn owl pellet and skull weights indicated a reduction in rodent numbers over time. These findings emphasise the effectiveness of barn owls, particularly with nest boxes, as a sustainable solution for rodent control in maize farming.