Roland Leschinsky of Northmead recently played an integral role in capturing a sick Spotted Eagle Owl in Third Street.
Posts regarding the search for the bird went viral on July 2, with residents and other stakeholders spreading vital information regarding sightings of the bird, which finally led to its capture and immediate transport to the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC), in Springs for treatment, on July 4.
The bird had become severely ill after it had contracted trichomoniasis (trich), which is a parasite found in pigeons.
An image of the sick Spotted Eagle Owl that was circulated on social media before it was captured, by Roland Leschinsky in Northmead on July 4.For the past seven months, Roland has dedicated his free time as a volunteer for the SAWRC after he found an owlet in his garden.
“Conservation has always been very close to my heart, so when I found the little guy hopping about in the garden I immediately started scouring the web for an organisation that could come to rescue it,” he said.
“That is how this journey with SAWRC started. I signed up as a volunteer and have successfully been certified to capture and transport both indigenous as well as endangered species in destress to associated facilities.”
According to Leschinsky, owls, especially Spotted Eagle Owls, Barn Owls (nonnetjies owl) and Southern white faced owls, are prevalent throughout the city with up to 250 to 400 from across the East Rand, being admitted to SAWRC annually.
“The survival of our local owls is under threat, with many suffering secondary poisoning by consuming rodents that have been poisoned using commercial pesticides,” he said.
“Many animals also lose vital breeding and hunting ground due to urban development.”
He continued by saying that the SAWRC as well as the Owl Rescue Centre, in Hartebeespoort Dam do market humane rodent traps which could assist in ensuring a sustainable food sources for owls without the risk of contaminating the natural order.
“We have a host of breed specific owl boxes available to the public that would encourage breeding pairs to safely coexist with humans,” said Roland.
“These magnificent creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem and I urge residents to educate themselves about encouraging breeding of these as well as all other indigenous birds to ensure their survival”
For more information contact Judy Davidson of SAWRC on 073 112 1131 or Leschinsky on 079 497 4492.
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