Reimagining the owl: from myth to conservation icon

28 March, 2025 By Anya Dabite Abeh

The Barn Owl (Tyto alba), despite its beauty, is traditionally considered as a vehicle of sorcery by many Africans, leading to its persecution. Photo by SVKMBFLY, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

In a world where myths often overshadow reality, a remarkable transformation is taking place in the hearts and minds of secondary school students in Cameroon. Once dismissed as “witch birds” according to traditional beliefs, owls are now emerging as celebrated ecological heroes, revered for their vital role in maintaining biodiversity. For centuries in Africa, these mysterious nocturnal creatures have been cloaked in superstition, their haunting calls and penetrating gaze misinterpreted as omens of misfortune. But thanks to a groundbreaking bird conservation education program led by Anya Dabite Abeh with support from IBCP, this narrative is shifting in Cameroon.

Anya Dabite Abeh conducts a bird education session for students in Cameroon. Photo courtesy of Anya Dabite Abeh.

Students, initially amused by the quirky nicknames and dark legends attached to owls, have embarked on a journey of discovery that has redefined their understanding of these majestic birds. Early assessments revealed a startling disconnect: fewer than 30% of the young learners could recognize the crucial ecological functions of owls, from controlling pest populations to ensuring the balance of local ecosystems. However, as hands-on lessons and immersive field experiences unfolded, even humorous mishaps like using binoculars the wrong way became stepping stones towards students’ development of a deeper, more informed appreciation of nature.

Cameroonian students take turns using binoculars to observe birds. Photo by Anya Dabite Abeh.

This new perspective has turned the old myths on their heads. What was once a label of mystique and misinterpretation is now a badge of honor, as students witness firsthand the indispensable role owls play in the living world. Their transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Curious eyes that once saw dark omens in these mysterious birds of the night now light up with a fervor for conservation, as nearly 90% of the participants began to acknowledge owls as key allies in the fight to preserve biodiversity. With enthusiasm soaring and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, these young minds are not only debunking age-old superstitions but also spearheading a movement that promises to safeguard natural habitats for generations to come.

Students watching a bird documentary in Cameroon. Photo by Anya Dabite Abeh.

In the midst of these educational adventures, laughter and shared moments of discovery have bonded the community, proving that even the most enigmatic creatures can become symbols of hope and resilience. As owls take flight under the starlit skies of Africa, a new legacy is being written, where myths fade and knowledge soars high, guiding a future that values every flutter and hoot as a testament to nature’s enduring wonders. We look forward to continuing to show how education is transforming perceptions and planting the seeds for a greener tomorrow in Cameroon, as we witness students learning that owls are not tools of sorcerers, but God’s creatures with a unique role in our extraordinary world.

Fraser’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo poensis) is one of many beautiful owl species native to Cameroon. Photo by Joris Komen, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.