Help Egyptian geese survive urban jungle
Last month alone, 108 Egyptian geese were admitted to the centre.
THE Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Yellowwood Park has seen a massive influx of Egyptian geese since the start of its baby season last month and residents are urged to respect and protect these indigenous birds.
Common to the area this time of year, the Egyptian goose population is one of the few on the increase.
“Unlike some of our local wildlife whose existence is being severely threatened by human development and urbanisation, our ever expanding cities and suburbs are proving an ideal breeding site for Egyptian geese. In addition to a warm climate, Egyptian geese look for access to a fresh water source and an area with plentiful food.
So, be it your swimming pool, an eco-estate or a golf course, our Egyptian geese are currently spoilt for choice when it comes to sites to rear their young,” said CROW director, Paul Hoyte.
“Six years ago, we dealt with only a handful of cases involving injured, orphaned and displaced Egyptian geese. Last year, CROW admitted 598 Egyptian geese. Approximately 378 of these cases were admitted during our last baby season, September 2015 to March 2016,” he added.
Last month alone, 108 Egyptian geese were admitted to the centre.
“We should admire this goose for its hardiness in the face our relentless pressure on the natural world and not hold it against this bird. At a time when so many species are under such extreme threat, from rhinos to African penguins, we should be pleased to see that some wildlife is holding out so well.
“We should admire this goose for its hardiness in the face our relentless pressure on the natural world and not hold it against this bird
Remember that with every passing day the chicks will grow bigger and closer to being able to disperse naturally to a safer environment. If you can assist the birds with this process in any way you will have made a meaningful contribution to preserving our natural birdlife,” said ornithologist and curator of birds at the Durban Natural Science Museum, David Allen.
Hoyte suggests leaving the geese be, if they take up residence in gardens, except where there is a danger of attacks from pets. In these cases, he appeals to people to assist them with safe capture.
“The biggest problem we have is that to give the goslings the best chance of survival, we need to catch mom and dad too. Herein lies the problem, as they simply fly away as soon as we arrive with our catch and throw nets. Thankfully, what we have been finding as a huge help, is if the homeowner is prepared to lend us a helping hand by getting the family into any enclosed area such as a garage or shed before we arrive.
This is relatively easy to do with a washing or laundry basket. Gently scoop up each of the goslings and place them in the basket. Then, with mom and dad watching you, take the goslings and place the basket in your open garage or shed. Soon enough, mom and dad will make their way into the room to be close to their babies. As soon as they’re in, close the door and contact CROW to come and catch them.”
CROW, one of the only wildlife rehabilitation centres in KZN relies solely on donations from the public to do their work. To assist CROW, or for information, call 031-462-1127 or email info@crowkzn.co.za
Egyptian geese facts:
- Egyptian geese are terrestrial, spending most of their time on land foraging for food.
- They eat mostly seeds, leaves and grass, but will also eat insects, worms, and small animals.
- Egyptian geese are sexually mature at two years.
- They live in small family flocks most of the year and then pair up during breeding season.
- They are believed to mate for life; nesting in trees, burrows, on buildings and cliffs and in abandoned nests.
- Females lay five to eight eggs which are incubated for 28 days.
- Once hatched, the parents will call to the goslings from the ground until they jump from the nest.
- Egyptian geese parents are extremely good parents with both the mother and father taking care of their young.
- They fly at approximately 11 weeks, but will remain with the parents for a few more weeks hereafter.
- Considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, Egyptian geese feature prominently in hieroglyphics.
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