Bird Life South Africa has awarded EcoSolutions, a leader in environmentally responsible pest management, a 2025 Owl Award. The award recognises the organisation’s more than 20 years of work in owl conservation and poison-free rodent control.

For over two decades, EcoSolutions has promoted the use of barn owl and spotted eagle-owl boxes as a natural alternative to chemical rodenticides. In Gauteng alone, more than 160 owl boxes are now occupied, helping reduce rodent numbers while providing safe homes for these birds.

“Receiving the Owl Award is a great honour,” said Cayla Brown, EcoSolutions’ conservation manager.
“It shows how people, science, and communities can work together to protect owls and improve our environment. Our owl boxes are helping both wildlife and people.”

EcoSolutions combines technology and education to support its work. Cameras on occupied owl boxes allow schools and the public to watch, on YouTube, nesting behaviour and learn about owls. The research programmes track breeding while the workshops and public installations teach the community members about the important role that owls play in ecosystems.

The organisation also sponsored the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA with owl boxes in July and was recently involved in a barn owl ringing project for two owlets at Eagle Canyon Golf Estate, contributing to valuable research on owl populations.

This award shows the organisation’s innovative approach to combining science, community involvement, and leadership in the conservation of natural environments.

Homeowners who would like to find out more information or are interested in having owl boxes installed can contact Cayla on 072 365 9777.