Mountain Reedbuck rescued in Rangeview
A Mountain Reedbuck was stranded in Rangeview but thanks to some kind souls he could be rescued and was taken to safety.
Because of the compassion and excellent skills of a group of people, a male Mountain Reedbuck was recently rescued after finding his way into a suburb.
Georgina Lackinger, one of the rehabilitators from the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, received a call about the antelope on October 19.
The call said the reedbuck was on the side of the road in Bell Drive, Rangeview. When they arrived there, the animal had found shelter against a wall of one of the properties.
These kinds of antelopes are very susceptible to Capture Myopathy – this occurs when animals overexert themselves while struggling, in a trap for example, so much that physiological imbalances develop and result in severe muscle damage. It was then decided that the best and safest option would be to dart the animal and rescue it.
The help of Monument Dierekliniek’s Dr Dirk Gouws was called in as well as the patrollers of Sector 7’s Krugersdorp Community Police Forum and Piquant Security who assisted in closing the road while the buck was darted.
After being safely captured, the reedbuck was taken to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden where the Sugarbush Ridge Coalition (SRC) rangers built a recovery boma for just such an instance.
Dr Gouws then examined the antelope and found minor injuries as well as a snare leading from its torso to its legs. After being examined and treated, the reedbuck was released into the garden. The animal did not have any major injuries.
The reedbuck was released thanks to the quick thinking and team efforts of the stakeholders which also included the Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch team.
