AN OWL enthusiast is saving an endangered species by breeding them in his own backyard.

Chris Ashwin, 60, has bred 14 Mackinder’s eagle owls since he became interested in the breed seven years ago.

The Didcot resident, who has a collection of 30 owls, says the breeding will boost the numbers of the rare owl, which is native to Kenya.

He said: “They have disappeared so much in captivity and I had to do something or they will disappear off the face of the earth. Owls should be there for everybody to see.”

Mr Ashwin has to feed his birds about 100 day-old chicks and 20 rats a night. He spends about £1,400 on the food every year.

The former courier became interested in the birds when he found an injured tawny owl in the road 15 years ago.

He said: “There is no emotion with a bird of prey. They are just beautiful birds.

“It is more of a hobby but it can be quite a busy one.”

He said he has been contacted by parents wanting to buy snowy owls for their children after seeing the breed on the Harry Potter films.

But Mr Ashwin said: “Any sensible keeper would not allow that to happen.

“It would be a danger to the child and the owl too.”