It's a story full of compromises, contradictions and unsuspecting victims. The use of rat and mice baits help to keep our home free of rodents. But they also pose a serious threat to native wildlife and ecosystems. A team of journalists at Curtin University investigates how precious owl species are becoming the victims of secondary poisoning from rodent control products. It's also a story of determination as communities battle the bureaucracy, manufacturers and public indifference to try to protect the owls.

Hosts: Madigan Landry and Kimberley Putland

Stories:

Taking the Bait - Reporter: Madigan Landry

The Decision Makers - Reporter: Yousuf Shameel

Owl Communities - Reporter: Kimberley Putland

Night Calling - Reporter: Camila Egusquiza Santa Cruz

Episode Executive Producers: Kayt Davies and Simon Brady

Investigative project:

Owls on Deathwatch

APVMA rodenticide review submissions:

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062421/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93291 (Part 1)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062442/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93296 (Part 2)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062447/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93301 (Part 3)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20231218062451/https://www.apvma.gov.au/node/93306 (Part 4)

'Night Calling' documentary:

https://www.youtube.com/@owlfriendly 

Music

‘Betelgeuse’ / Kunal Shingade 

‘Come Back Home’ / Olexy

More stories from Curtin University:

Western Independent

More stories from the best student journalism in Australia:

The Junction