The first two birds -Tyto and Alba – have been paired in the Barn Owl project at Buskett.

The names derive from the scientific term for the species, Tyto alba. A livestream of the owls is accessible to everyone by clicking here.

“This is an important step in a project in favour of our country’s biodiversity, as this species will be reintroduced to the wild through an initiative by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation Malta (FKNK),” said Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia.

He went on to say that security in the Buskett area will be heightened through an investment into security cameras by the Ministry.

“This investment will also ensure that not only are the farmhouse and the birds protected, but also that the entire Buskett area is made more secure, and that crimes and accidents such as littering, theft, fires, and vandalism are avoided,” stated the Minister.

The project’s coordinator Lucas Micallef explained that this is an important step for our biodiversity. “In the coming weeks, we expect, with the assistance of livestreaming, to monitor Tyto and Alba’s behaviour, and look forward to the positive results which will see the barn owl return to the wild.”

The barn owl project is supported by the Conservation of Wild Birds Fund for Voluntary Organisations.

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