Researchers at Vetmeduni strengthen the little owl population in Lower Austrian vineyards

From near-disappearance to recovery

A few decades ago, the situation for the little owl in Austria was significantly worse. According to Zink, at that time there were only 50 to 70 breeding pairs left across Austria. "Mittlerweile sind wir in Österreich wieder bei rund 400 Paaren – Tendenz deutlich steigend." In the wine-growing region east of Krems alone, an estimated 40 to 50 little owl pairs are living. During a check at one of the new nest sites near Fels am Wagram, four young were recently observed that had hatched just a few days earlier. Altogether, 64 young little owls have already been counted in this season's boxes in the region.

In order to place the boxes strategically, the researchers used a computer model they developed themselves. This took into account not only suitable habitats, but also the distance to tawny owls, considered predators of the little owl, as well as the distance to heavily trafficked roads. Across the approximately 28,000 hectares of vineyard area in Lower Austria, a finely tuned network of breeding sites was thus created.

Computer model and new management

The concept also includes a modified management of the vineyards. Winegrowers in the Krems area are reducing the use of insecticides and deliberately allowing cover crops to grow between the rows of vines, for instance to prevent soil erosion. This management approach benefits not only the little owl, but also the hoopoe, the red-backed shrike, and the woodlark. Insects, lizards, common hamsters, ground squirrels, and the rare steppe polecat can also benefit.

The Ornithological Centre also supports goshawk, hoopoe, and saker falcon with custom-made nesting aids. The saker falcon is globally critically endangered; its population is growing worldwide in only two countries, one of which is Austria. The little owl also serves as a model species and bioindicator for pollutants such as heavy metals.

Threat from the American grapevine leafhopper

A cause for concern remains the invasive American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus), which is already spreading in Styria and the Seewinkel. It transmits flavescence dorée, an infection that worsens insidiously over several years. In some regions, the use of insecticides against the leafhopper has already been officially ordered. Zink warns: "Das könnte diese extrem positive Entwicklung der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte wieder unterlaufen."

Positive effects are also showing for other species: In the region around Fels am Wagram, loess terrace edges with small horizontal tubes and miniature cavities have provided habitat for a growing population of bee-eaters. "Winzerinnen und Winzer seien durchaus stolz, dass sich in ihren Gärten seit einiger Zeit wieder mehr Arten tummeln als noch vor einiger Zeit," Richard Zink is pleased to note. In keeping with this, a white wine named "Athene" has been produced — named after the Latin name of the small owl.

Outlook: Connecting the habitats

In the long term, the researchers are pursuing the goal of creating continuous distribution corridors from the Pulkautal in the north to the Mostviertel and Upper Austria in the southwest, in order to connect the remaining little owl subpopulations with one another.