Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Zoo hopes to debunk myths about owls.

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In South Africa Owls generally have a very negative reputation due to mainly cultural and traditional beliefs (i.e. they are believed to bring bad luck and death and are also believed to be associated with witchcraft). Because of this negative reputation and associated beliefs owls are often persecuted and killed. Many people are unaware of the benefits of owls in that they eat predominantly rodents and so can assist in the control of rodents which carry diseases. Placing a nest box for owls on a property can help control rodent populations (one family of hungry barn owls can consume more than 3,000 rodents in a nesting season) while maintaining the naturally balanced food chain.
27 Oct 2022 10AM English South Africa Education · Careers

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