Rare barn owl injured in demolition of old water tank dies

A rare barn owl ( tyto alba), classified as ' near threatened' in the National Red List (2012) met an unfortunate death on Friday after sustaining injuries during a controlled demolition of an old abandoned water tank in Konthaipitty, Mannar.

Following the demolition of the tank with the assistance of Army personnel, on Monday, the barn owl had been recovered with severe injuries to its left- wing from the falling debris. The bird was handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Veterinarian Dr P.Kiritharan, attached to the regional department said the bird's left wing was totally damaged and it later developed sepsis.

According to area residents the barn owl was known to nest inside the abandoned water tank for months and the tragedy could have been averted if the armed personnel had checked inside the tank before demolishing it.

The barn owl is a beautiful species with a whitish face, chest, and belly, and buffy upper part. Its scientific name means, ‘white owl’. Barn owls have adapted to living among people and is attracted to granaries, warehouses, old buildings in search of rats and mice.