The barn swallow population in Carinthia has already fallen by more than 50 percent. The birds are useful for humans and farm animals. The horse industry should now offer new opportunities.
Unfortunately, the barn swallow is not doing much better than the house martin, whose population has declined by 70 percent in the past 30 years (the “Krone” reported).
The inventory has shrunk by 50 percent
She likes to build her nest in cattle sheds, farmhouses and even restaurants. But with the closure of numerous small farms, the barn swallow has also lost many breeding grounds – and its population in Carinthia has shrunk by 50 percent.
Useful insect killers
“Anyone who has barn swallows in their barn can consider themselves lucky. Because these stables are almost entirely fly-free, ”explains Birdlife expert Andreas Kleewein. And not only humans thank the useful insect killers: barn swallows also make everyday life easier for livestock, as they are not constantly annoyed by swarms of flies when the birds are around.
“Because the presence of useful songbirds is linked to the presence of cattle, horses, goats or sheep in the stables,” adds Kleewein: “Therefore, the promotion and support of smaller farms would be an added value for the entire cultural landscape.”
Horse industry offers new opportunities
There is a small ray of hope: the horse industry, which has become attractive again, fortunately offers new opportunities for the barn swallow. Because the bird finds breeding opportunities in the horse stables. Frog rescuer Gerhard Seirer from Maltschach is also happy about his barn swallows in the stable every year. “The second brood is already on the way this year. I am glad that they keep nesting with me! “