Gauteng SPCAs get owl boxes to boost natural rodent control

In celebration of Mandela Day, EcoSolutions and Owlproject.org 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, Owlproject.org, 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.

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“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.

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“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.

Owlproject.org 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.

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“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 Owlproject.org.

EcoSolutions and Owlproject.org encourage individuals and organisations to seek meaningful and long-lasting ways to contribute to Mandela Day and support sustainable environmental initiatives year-round.