Avian predators as a biological control system of common vole (Microtus arvalis) populations in north‐western Spain: experimental set‐up and preliminary results

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The installation of nest boxes provides nesting sites for barn owls and kestrels. Kestrel populations increased faster than in areas without artificial nests, and the common vole was one of their main prey during the breeding season. The results suggest that local (field) effects could be found in terms of reduced vole density. If so, this could be an environmentally friendly and cheap vole control technique to be considered on a larger scale.