In recent years, rodent infestations in the rice fields of Shui Hau have become increasingly common, causing significant damage to young rice seedlings.
But this year, the situation has greatly improved!
That’s because we introduced Hong Kong’s first “ecosystem service*” raptor perch. It successfully attracted owls to perch and hunt rodents, transforming them into natural guardians of the fields!
What is a raptor perch?
A raptor perch is an elevated platform built to encourage raptors to rest and hunt from, harnessing their natural predation to control pests. Compared to chemical rodenticides or bait, this method is more sustainable, pollution-free, and helps promote coexistence between biodiversity and agriculture.
Inspired by a study tour in Taiwan, where local farmers have effectively used raptor perches to attract birds that prey on field pests, we decided to pilot this method in Shui Hau. The perch is equipped with a real-time surveillance camera that automatically records and sends alerts when birds arrive, allowing for better observation and documentation.
Our surprising discovery!
In late June, we officially installed the first raptor perch. To our surprise, just two hours after installation, a Brown Fish Owl appeared and perched on it! Coincidentally, the nearby rice fields had just been sown — a critical phase of the farming cycle.
Last year, many seedlings were heavily damaged by rodents during this same period. But this year, we have repeatedly spotted the same Brown Fish Owl carrying mice in its beak, dramatically reducing the rodent issue in the fields!
Why promote Nature-based Solutions (NbS)?
Attracting raptors using perches is part of our effort to implement Nature-based Solutions:
- Improve local habitats and attract wildlife
- Harness natural mechanisms to control rodents
- Reduce dependence on pesticides and chemical bait
This Brown Fish Owl has become like our night shift watchman — standing quietly on the perch, gazing over the rice fields, guarding this patch of newly sprouted hope.
We’ll continue to share exciting clips captured from the perch.
If you’d like to witness this “Guardian of the Night Rice Fields” in action...
Follow us to stay updated on how owls are protecting Shui Hau’s farmland.
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