How barn owls are reshaping the ecological narrative at the University of the Free State

IOL News

4 days ago

New owl chicks born in their nest high above the library of the University of the Free State (UFS)
Image: UFS
High above the hushed study spaces of the Sasol Library at the University of the Free State (UFS), a remarkable conservation story unfolds, intertwining the realms of academia and urban wildlife. Nestled within the library's rafters, a pair of barn owls has not only found a home but has also become a symbol of ecological resilience and community engagement.
Their journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects a profound narrative of coexistence, prompting students and staff alike to reconsider the role of educational spaces in fostering biodiversity. As these owls raise their chicks amidst the backdrop of scholarly pursuits, they invite us to explore the delicate balance between nature and knowledge, reminding us that even in the heart of urban environments, life thrives in unexpected ways.
Professor Vasu Reddy, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, who oversees libraries within the institution, said the owls embody a deeper meaning. 'If we consider Shakespeare's play, All's Well That Ends Well, then the presence of the owls in the Sasol Library confirms another meaning of that play,' he said.
'Love is not always considered noble but is something persistent, and our library exemplifies a living ecosystem where documents, people, and even animals can interact in nurturing ways.'
The owls have resided in the library since 2016, but the turning point came in 2023 when a distressed owl was spotted outside the building, triggering a grassroots conservation initiative led by concerned staff and students. Tanya Scherman from the Centre for Teaching and Learning was the first to respond, discovering that the owl had likely suffered secondary poisoning from a contaminated rodent.
'That moment became the catalyst for a grassroots conservation initiative,' she explained, as she reached out to local wildlife experts and veterinary assistance.
A pair of barn owls have been nesting in the library's roof space
Image: UFS
Professor Francois Deacon from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences stepped in with enthusiasm. 'As someone passionate about urban wildlife conservation, I saw a great opportunity—not just to support the owls, but to involve students in hands-on learning,' he noted. 'These projects offer rare chances to study animal behaviour in real time, outside the confines of a lab.'
With postgraduate students Ruan Higgs and Kaitlyn Taylor, Deacon's team assessed the owls' behaviour and designed a nesting structure. The effort to build the nesting box turned personal for Scherman, who collaborated with her father on the project, symbolising a connection that extends beyond academia.
The results of this collaboration have already shown promise. In 2023, the barn owls successfully raised two owlets, and now, another breeding attempt has resulted in six eggs, with three visible owlets emerging. According to Professor Deacon, the installation of a motion-triggered infrared field camera has provided invaluable insights into the owls' behaviour, aiding student research into their diet and nesting preferences. 'These owls are teaching tools,' he asserted, linking them directly to real-world ecological applications.
The ecological role of these owls on campus is significant. Each pair can consume hundreds of rodents in a single breeding season, contributing to a reduction in the need for toxic pesticides. Scherman noted, 'We found remains of small birds and insects in their regurgitated pellets, showing how adaptable they are in an urban setting.' However, urban life is fraught with challenges for these birds, and both Scherman and Deacon advocate for awareness and caution among campus visitors to protect them from disturbances and potential dangers.
Night cameras are keeping an eye on the owls, which also are used for research
Image: UFS
The emergence of this conservation project is also shifting cultural perceptions of owls. Often cloaked in myths and fears, it is essential to raise awareness about owls as symbols of wisdom and protectors of the ecosystem. Scherman explained, 'The presence of owls among us is a living testament to the rich biodiversity that thrives even in urban spaces.'
As the initiative gathers momentum, its implications extend beyond the immediate conservation goals to encompass community and collaborative relationships within the UFS. Professor Reddy emphasises the broader narrative of coexistence and compassion emerging from the project. 'It's clear that what may be seen as disruptive has become a pedagogical tool,' he reflected. 'Our library is not just a repository of books but a space where stories merge with nature, nurturing our collective future.'
Looking forward, the desire for further collaboration and expansion of cross-campus initiatives is growing. Professor Deacon envisions new projects that may conserve other species and promote biodiversity on campus, fostering a culture that recognises the importance of ecological balance alongside academic pursuits.
As the owls continue to thrive above the Sasol Library, their presence serves as a powerful reminder of the harmonious coexistence possible between nature and knowledge. In the words of Professor Reddy, this odyssey 'shows how we connect to the world by sheltering not just precious books, but also crafting an important ecosystem of empathy.'