The Athena owl, also known as the Athene noctua, is a small, nocturnal bird of prey that has been making a comeback in Switzerland, thanks to the efforts of the Athena Owl Collective in Ajoie. This species, which once faced near extinction in the region, is now seeing a significant recovery. The collective has been working since 2002 to protect and restore the owl's habitat, implementing a variety of conservation strategies to support its survival. One of the key initiatives has been the installation of nest boxes in areas where the Athena owl was historically present. These boxes have been gradually replaced with a tubular design to better protect the owls from predators like weasels. In addition to nest boxes, the collective has planted over 6,000 trees and collaborated with more than 100 local farmers to create and maintain habitats that support the owl’s needs. The Athena owl requires short vegetation to detect prey, and benefits from a mix of mowed and unmowed areas to ensure access to food. To further support the species, the collective has also created stone and wood piles, as well as hedges, which provide shelter and nesting opportunities. The population of Athena owls in Ajoie has grown from an estimated seven to ten pairs in the early 2000s to about forty pairs today. According to BirdLife Switzerland, the overall Swiss population has increased from around sixty territories occupied to about 160. This growth is partly due to the owl’s philopatric nature, meaning it tends to stay near its birthplace, which makes it challenging to introduce the species to new areas. However, the collective is preparing potential new habitats in advance to support future expansion. The Athena owl’s habitat varies by region. In Ajoie, it thrives in high-stem orchards, while in Geneva, it benefits from oak avenues, and in Ticino, it is supported by traditional stone lodges known as rustici. Despite challenges such as the loss of natural tree cavities and a decline in prey, the species is flourishing, aided by the movement of individuals from regions like Alsace and southern Germany. Climate change also plays a role, with reduced snow cover at lower altitudes improving prey detection, though prolonged rainy spring periods can negatively impact the survival of young owls.