A new community conservation group, Owl Friendly Naturaliste, has formed, building momentum for stronger protection of native wildlife from the impacts of rodenticides across the Margaret River region.
The new chapter follows the success of Owl Friendly Margaret River Region and comes amid growing interest in establishing similar groups in Yallingup and Busselton.
Owl Friendly Margaret River Region was founded by conservationist and former Nature Conservation Margaret River Region board member Boyd Wykes in response to increasing evidence of harm caused by anticoagulant rodenticides to owls, raptors and other native wildlife.
These poisons, commonly used to control rats and mice, accumulate in the food chain. Predators can suffer fatal internal bleeding after consuming poisoned prey.
Boyd said the formation of new local chapters showed growing community support for practical action.
Dr Boyd Wykes
“This work has always been about empowering people to protect wildlife where they live,” he said. “Seeing Owl Friendly Naturaliste come together shows how quickly awareness is spreading. Communities want safer alternatives, better information and stronger protections for our owls and other native species.”
The new chapter emerged following discussions at a recent raptor sundowner hosted by the Capes Naturaliste Conservation Enterprise (CNCE), a landscape protection initiative delivered through a partnership between Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and Friends of Meelup.
The event brought together landholders, conservationists and wildlife advocates concerned about declining raptor populations and the ongoing use of toxic rodenticides.
Masked Owl with prey
CNCE coordinator Mandy Polley said the gathering demonstrated the power of collaboration.
“People came together around a shared concern for raptors and the health of the wider ecosystem,” she said. “There was strong support for expanding the Owl Friendly approach into the northern Capes communities.”
Owl Friendly groups raise awareness about the risks of rodenticides, promote wildlife-safe alternatives for rodent control, and advocate for stronger protections for native animals. Research has shown that owls, eagles, hawks, quendas and other predators are highly vulnerable to secondary poisoning.
To help build awareness in the community, locals are invited to a free outdoor screening of the documentary Night Calling on Wednesday 11 March at 6pm at Bailey Brewing, organised by Dunsborough Coast and Landcare.
The film explores the impacts of rodenticides on wildlife and highlights how communities can take action to protect owls and other native species. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Owl Friendly Naturaliste initiative and how to get involved.
Free tickets are available via Humanitix:
https://events.humanitix.com/owl-friendly-naturaliste-night-calling-documentary
With interest also growing in Yallingup and Busselton, organisers say the expansion of Owl Friendly chapters reflects a shared commitment to protecting the region’s unique wildlife and landscapes through informed community action.