Latest news with #EcoSolutions
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
SPCA receives eco-friendly homes for owls
EcoSolutions and celebrated Mandela Day in style as they worked together to donate and install owl boxes to seven SPCA branches around Gauteng, including the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA. 'This initiative honours the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela through a project rooted in environmental sustainability, wildlife protection, and deep appreciation for the tireless work done by the SPCA,' said Cayla Brown from EcoSolutions. According to Cayla, EcoSolutions, and the SPCA have shared a collaborative relationship since the early 2000s, working together on ethical wildlife management initiatives that benefit both communities and ecosystems. The team installed each owl box that was donated at each SPCA facility. The purpose of this, according to Cayla, was to introduce a natural, poison-free method of rodent control and provide safe nesting sites for owls. 'Owls are incredibly efficient predators, capable of eating thousands of rodents each year. Encouraging their presence is a significant step towards lowering rodent populations without using dangerous pesticides and poisons. This campaign comes at an important time as South African wildlife celebrates the success of the national ban on popular rodenticides. These poisons, which were once widely used, now represent a severe hazard to non-target species, such as owls, who sometimes die from secondary poisoning after consuming tainted mice,' Cayla noted. 'There is no such thing as owl-friendly poison, and what we put into the ecosystem inevitably works its way up the food chain. Our approach, using nature to balance nature, ensures that predators like owls are protected, not harmed, by our pest control efforts. Our team and are proud to stand in support of the SPCA, recognising its continued dedication to animal welfare, rescue, and education, 'Cayla expressed. This Mandela Day, the donated owl boxes are more than just nesting sites; they are symbols of collaboration, sustainability, and shared responsibility for a healthier environment. The Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA relies on the community's help and donations, from food and medical supplies to upkeep facilities, to continue the work they do in caring for and protecting animals. If you would like to find out more information about the SPCA and how you can get involved, send an email to [email protected] or call 011 672 0448.
The Citizen
25-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
New owl boxes support wildlife-friendly pest control at Gauteng SPCAs
In celebration of Mandela Day, EcoSolutions and donated and professionally installed owl boxes at seven SPCA branches across Gauteng, including the Edenvale SPCA. This environmentally focused initiative was launched to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela through a project rooted in sustainability, wildlife conservation, and appreciation for the vital work undertaken by the SPCA. EcoSolutions, and the SPCA have enjoyed a collaborative partnership since the early 2000s, working together on ethical wildlife management programmes that benefit both local communities and ecosystems. ALSO READ: Bedfordview SPCA takes legal action over false cruelty claims 'Even the previously installed owl box proved to be incredibly helpful, and we're grateful to now have two new owl boxes on our premises,' said Marita Acar, manager of the Edenvale SPCA. Each owl box donated was installed by the EcoSolutions team, ensuring safe, secure nesting spaces for owl populations. According to project coordinator Itumeleng Maroga, the goal of the initiative was twofold: to offer owls safe nesting habitats and to promote a natural, poison-free method of rodent control. ALSO READ: Join the Edenvale SPCA AGM on July 5 'Owls are highly efficient predators, capable of consuming thousands of rodents each year. 'Encouraging their presence is a powerful and sustainable step in reducing rodent populations without relying on harmful poisons or chemicals,' explained Maroga. He added that the project comes at a crucial time. 'The installed owl box will help manage the rat problem we face on our premises. As much as we have cats, they haven't been effective,' noted Charmain Southon, manager at Alberton SPCA. highlighted that the recent national ban on several widely used rodenticides marks a significant victory for South African wildlife. These poisons have posed a serious risk to non-target species—particularly owls—who often suffer fatal secondary poisoning after consuming contaminated rodents. ALSO READ: Brushstrokes and vino to aid Bedfordview SPCA pups 'There is no such thing as owl-friendly poison. What we release into the ecosystem inevitably makes its way up the food chain,' the organisation stated. Their philosophy promotes using nature to restore natural balance, ensuring that predators like owls are safeguarded, not harmed, by pest control measures. 'We are proud to partner with organisations such as the SPCA,' said Valentino Crowder of EcoSolutions and Itumeleng Maroga of EcoSolutions and encourage individuals and organisations to seek meaningful and long-lasting ways to contribute to Mandela Day and support sustainable environmental initiatives year-round.
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
RRVA and EcoSolutions team up for wildlife
In a hands-on effort to protect Randpark Ridge's biodiversity, the Randpark Ridge Village Association (RRVA) has teamed up with EcoSolutions Urban Ecology to install owl and bat boxes across the suburb's greenbelts, a project already showing results. This initiative, led and funded by the RRVA, aims to restore natural pest control methods while strengthening local ecosystems. By identifying key areas and coordinating expert support, the association is making sure the greenbelts are not only beautiful but also ecologically balanced. Read more: Rescued barn owl flies free again 'These boxes are more than just homes for wildlife; they're part of our vision for a greener, healthier Randpark Ridge,' said RRVA administrator Nerisha Govender. The boxes provide safe nesting and roosting spaces for owls and bats, two of nature's most effective pest managers. 'Just one barn owl can eat up to 1 000 rodents a year,' Govender said. Strategically placed owl boxes give these nocturnal hunters a quiet place to settle, helping control rodents without harmful poisons. Bats, too, are powerful allies in pest control. 'Insect-eating bats can consume hundreds of bugs in just one hour,' Govender said, including mosquitoes, moths, and crop-damaging pests. EcoSolutions, based in Randpark Ridge, supplied and installed the boxes, using their expertise to ensure correct placement, safety, and durability. The organisation also provides long-term maintenance, including monitoring activity and refreshing nesting materials. Together with EcoSolutions, the RRVA is proving that small, smart interventions can bring real balance back to urban nature and give residents a front-row seat to it. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
