Owls in urban narratives: implications for conservation and environmental education in NW Patagonia (Argentina)

A significant surge in owl populations following a rodent boom in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina, has sparked both ecological concern and human conflict. The study reveals that while 74% of respondents recognize owls as primarily rodent predators, deep-seated myths persist: 61% associate them with diabolical traits, while 13% view them as wise symbols. These perceptions drive divergent behaviors, from protection to extermination. An intercultural educational approach, integrating academic and traditional knowledge, effectively increased student interest in owl conservation. The research underscores the need for targeted environmental education and state-led conservation programs to mitigate human-owl conflicts in urban Patagonian areas.

Molares, S., & Gurovich, Y. (2018). Owls in urban narratives: implications for conservation and environmental education in NW Patagonia (Argentina). Neotropical Biodiversity, 4(1), 164–172. https://doi.org/10.1080/23766808.2018.1545379