City of Greater Geraldton looking to adopt owl-friendly city initiative in a Mid West first

The City of Greater Geraldton is set to vote on becoming the first Mid West region to become an “owl-friendly city”, after pleas from a passionate local group.

Just Raptors, a group dedicated to rehabilitating birds of prey, reached out to the city to make it aware of second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides.

According to a Just Raptors information booklet provided to the city, the issue stems from poisoned baits which kill rodents but inadvertently kills other wildlife.

The bait can take days to take effect, where animals including birds can eat the poisoned rodent, resulting in “secondary poisoning”.

The Just Raptors document stated the use of first-generation rodenticides significantly reduces the chance of a bird becoming poisoned as they contained blood thinners that required multiple doses in order to be effective.

According to the council agenda, a recent peer-reviewed study found first-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides were rarely detected among the predatory owls studied, while second-generation ones were detected in all types, but not all birds.

If the motion is passed, the city would adopt owl-friendly principles, encourage local businesses to use owl-friendly pest control treatments, and support community education on the issue.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said Just Raptors’ Janelle Ende attended the council agenda forum in Walkaway to make a presentation.

“Janelle made a presentation and her husband came to the lectern as well holding an owl,” he said.

“She gave a talk to reiterate the second-generation poisons and highlighting there are other alternatives to lessen the impact on native wildlife.

“She also brought out a poem, which I’ve heard about three times and every time it leaves a chill down your spine.”

Mr Clune believed if the motion was voted through at next Tuesday’s council meeting, the city would be the first in the Mid West to adopt the principles.

Ms Ende recently gave a presentation to the WA Local Government Association northern country zone, encouraging several Mid West shires to become owl-friendly.

Other regions across WA have implemented the strategy, including local governments in Fremantle, Mundaring and Margaret River.