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Finally, they aim to develop a longer-term strategy for Mackinder's eagle owl conservation in densely populated, agricultural areas. Their research is sponsored by the Miami Metrozoo, Peregrine Fund-East Africa Project, SeaWorld-Busch Gardens, National Geographic, John Ball Zoo, Tarrytown FWS and the Raptor Research Foundation-Leslie Brown Memorial Grant.
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Since June 2004, Darcy Ogada (Research Associate with the National Museums of Kenya and PhD candidate at Rhodes University) along with Paul Muriithi have been studying the ecology and conservation status of this population of owls that lives in such close proximity to humans.
Their work investigates the diet, habitat requirements, reproductive biology and influences of farming practices on Mackinder's eagle owls. The work involves trapping small mammals to determine prey abundance, collecting owl pellets to understand owl diet, making extensive observations of owls during their breeding season and measuring crops in nearby farms to better understand the influence of farming practices on owl diet.
In addition, the researchers are working closely with local communities to reduce conflicts caused by farming practices and cultural beliefs by undertaking education and public awareness initiatives.
