Residents in Margate, Ramsgate and Uvongo are being urged to take precautions after several recent incidents involving pets being taken by crowned eagles.

The African Raptor Centre and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife have expressed concern following the incidents and will meet with residents to discuss the situation and possible ways to reduce conflict between people and the protected birds.

Representatives from both organisations will meet with the community at the Ramsgate Lions Club, Glenmarkie Road, Lions Village Hall, Ramsgate on Saturday, September 12, at 11:00.

The meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss practical measures to help people and crowned eagles coexist more safely.

A long-term crowned eagle research project, led by Dr Shane McPherson, has been monitoring the birds for several years. Many crowned eagles in KZN are tracked as part of the research, providing information on their movements and behaviour.

Dr Jacqui Gray of the African Raptor Centre said the organisations understood the distress caused by the loss of pets.

“We fully understand the grief, distress and trauma that the loss of a beloved pet can cause, and our thoughts are with the affected families,” she said.

Gray said the research could help develop practical ways to reduce human-wildlife conflict while supporting the conservation of crowned eagles.

Residents are also being asked to report incidents of domestic animal predation by crowned eagles for research purposes.

If reporting an incident, provide a WhatsApp location pin and photographs, if possible.

Residents who have questions, would like to report a sighting, or require more information can contact the African Raptor Centre on 071-672-5953.

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