Toxic Rat Poisons Found in 100% of Masked Owls

Shocking New Research Finds Toxic Rat Poisons in Every Masked Owl Tested

New research looking for evidence of poisons in Masked Owls collected from Western Australia’s south-west and Perth has found 100% of tested birds contained lethal or toxic levels of rat poison.

Scientists at Edith Cown University have this week released the findings of a study into the cause of death of 13 Masked Owls collected across the region. The results from liver tests were described as “shocking” by the research team. All 13 birds from the south-west and three from metropolitan Perth, had been exposed to long-lasting ‘second generation’ anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), commonly known as ‘one-dose kills’ poisons available in common household brands. 

Lead researcher Dr Rob Davis, Associate Professor in Wildlife Conservation at Edith Cowan University, said that while the sample may overrepresent birds that were found sick or injured, it paints a dire picture for the broader population.

“If these levels were true for all of the south west population of Masked Owls, the sobering bottom line is that we would not have a population,” Dr Davis said. He noted that many of the owls were found after being hit by cars, a common fate for wildlife suffering from rodenticide toxicity. 

The problem extends beyond owls. The research pathway shows that these long-lasting poisons enter the food chain when wildlife eats dying or dead rodents, or accesses bait stations directly. This exposure is being increasingly documented in a wide range of wildlife, including reptiles, frogs, fish, and endangered marsupials like quolls and Tasmanian Devils. 

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar said the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) must act decisively. 

“This new research adds to the overwhelming and consistent body of evidence already supplied to the APVMA that these baits are killing our wildlife at completely unacceptable levels,” Ms Millar said.

“Rat bait that kills owls must be banned from public sale. Safer alternatives exist on the same shelves.” – Kate Millar, BirdLife Australia

“Shoppers should be able to walk into a store with the confidence that products for pest control won’t also kill native animals. But that is simply not the case. 

“The reforms currently proposed by the APVMA are weak and will utterly fail to prevent the death of birds, from powerful owls and magpies to the beloved tawny frogmouth. 

“The evidence is clear, and the choice is clear. Rat bait that kills owls must be banned from public sale. Safer, effective alternatives already exist on the very same shelves. While there may be very specific, tightly controlled situations where trained professionals need to use these products, their routine and widespread sale is causing unacceptable wildlife mortality on a national scale.” 

The research was conducted by universities and the community group Owl Friendly Margaret River, with no support from government or the manufacturers who profit from the poisons. 

Dr Boyd Wykes, coordinator of Owl Friendly Margaret River, said it was “outrageous” that these products remain on the market. “A current Government review of rodenticides has proposed new regulations that completely fail to protect wildlife. Outdoor bait stations, changes to labelling, and selling unlimited poison in smaller packets will not prevent the poisoning of owls.” 

The APVMA is currently accepting written submissions on the proposed regulation of anticoagulant rodenticides. Submissions close March 16. 

BirdLife Australia is calling for an immediate ban on the public sale of deadly second-generation rodenticides. Add your voice now! Tell the regulator to remove SGARs from supermarket shelves and ensure that only licensed pest control operators can access these highly toxic products.  

BirdLife Australia Media inquiries: James Johnson, 0423 659 324, media@birdlife.org.au