THE disappearance of one of Britain's most magical birds is causing a flap among York scientists.

The barn owl, feathered friend of Harry Potter, was once a common sight in the British countryside, but has experienced a massive fall in numbers over the last century.

Now researchers at the University of York are seeking more information to develop plans to save the species.

Initial study has discovered that the Lower Derwent Valley holds one of the densest populations of owls in the country, if not Europe.

Researchers will seek to discover key facts about the birds' habitat and prey which makes this area so popular - with the aim of using the information to aid preservation of the species nationally.

The research is being headed by Nick Askew in the department of biology at the University of York.

Nick said: "In Britain today there are thought to be more barn owls in captivity than in the wild, a trend that may be increasing following the popularity of Harry Potter and his magical helpers."

The species has declined by nearly 70 per cent over the last 100 years after changes in farming methods destroyed hunting habitats and nest sites. They need rough grassland for their favourite prey, the field vole. Nick now intends to use his studies to assess how government schemes could be used to provide financial incentives for farmers to support species living on farmland.

He said: "By using the barn owl as a 'flagship species' to promote habitat creation and management schemes, it is hoped that the national population decline of barn owls may be reversed along with that of many other nationally-threatened species."

Updated: 09:23 Friday, March 28, 2003