Talons out for Bluff crowned eagle ‘pet killer’

THE killing of a beloved pet by a bird of prey on the Bluff has brought into focus the dynamics of wildlife and human conflicts.

A heartbroken Bluff family lost their 12-year-old ‘furbaby’ to a crowned eagle on Thursday, 26 January.

The story quickly spread on social media, inciting a debate on the rights of wild animals versus humans and their pets.

According to Nicole Van Antwerpen, her father became concerned about the whereabouts of Roxy, their Jack Russell, shortly after he returned home from work in the evening.

“We couldn’t remember seeing her when we got home because she is usually on her own mission in the garden, digging new holes or trying to hunt lizards, which she wasn’t very good at, but my brother did see her during the day and didn’t hear anything.

My dad realised she wasn’t around because she usually follows him everywhere and comes in when he gets home and sits next to his couch. She was his companion,” said Nicole.

The men began a search for Roxy in their Garmouth Avenue home.

“We live on a slope and she often went down to the bottom of the garden, so while my dad looked from the top, my brother went down to look for her.

As my brother got further down, my dad saw the crowned eagle fly up and away from our yard.

He said he already knew what had happened. My brother found her in the same spot the eagle flew from. She was dead and already half eaten.”

The family had heard of similar incidents like this but felt assured Roxy was too large to be a target.

“Roxy was 12-years-old, but she didn’t look it and didn’t act it. She was so full of love, kisses and lots of life. She was adventurous and really didn’t deserve this. She will be missed by many people far and wide.”

In a bid to warn people of the danger, Nicole posted her story on Facebook. Her post quickly draw comments from a variety of people and sparked a debate on what actions should or shouldn’t be taken.

Some called for the eagle to be captured and relocated, while others said this would not solve the problem as there was more than one crowned eagle in the area, along with other birds of prey.

Others said the eagle should be shot and others still intimated that should they see it near their pets they would kill it.

Conversely, some Bluffites said there was nothing that could be done because it was natural for the birds to prey on small animals and they have just as much right to be in the area as anyone else.

Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre clinic manager, Tammy Caine warned of the human/wildlife conflict situations that arises as human developments increase.

“Crowned eagles are one of the few wildlife species that have managed to survive the spread of human encroachment into their natural territory.

Durban and its surrounding areas is one of the unique cities of the world that has been able to support both a growing human population, and still maintain a relatively high natural biodiversity, and this is due to the urban ‘green spaces’ that have been preserved.

However, as Durban is also one of the fastest growing cities in the world, we are expecting there to be an increase in human/wildlife conflict situations,” said Tammy.

She said crowned eagles usually raise a single chick every one to two years, depending on the availability of prey. Crowned eagles are vital in urban areas for the control of hadedas, small antelope, dassies and monkeys.

“This is the time of year when crowned eagle chicks are starting to leave their nests and begin their journey to adulthood.

Despite the fact that research has proven that domestic stock accounts for less than 1% of an adult crowned eagle’s diet, these birds still have the notorious reputation of being pet killers.

Adult birds will very rarely deviate from natural prey, but the juvenile birds, in trying to learn to survive, are often the guilty parties in killing the odd cat or dog out of hunger or desperation.

As human development spreads into previously wild areas occupied by resident pairs of crowned eagles, we are finding that the human/wildlife conflict is escalating,” she said.

Juvenile crowned eagles learning to care for themselves may mistakenly target pets.

“As there is a natural 70% mortality rate across the board for birds of prey in their first year of life, it is a very difficult period these young birds face on leaving the nest.

Not only do they need to learn to fly and hunt, but they also have to learn to avoid danger.

Apart from collisions resulting in broken bones, and hunger from ineffective hunting, there is also the danger of poisoning or being shot,” said Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre clinic manager, Tammy Caine.

According to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife spokesman, Sharl Els the centre’s staff are often called to relocate birds of prey.

“The public needs to understand that birds of prey are wild animals and follow their instinct when trying to catch your pet,” he said, urging community members to be considerate towards their pets and wildlife.

“We encourage people who have small pets in a crowned eagle’s territory to be a bit more vigilant for the safety of their animals,” added Tammy.

Nicole said she and her family often marvel at the beauty and majesty of the crowned eagles and agrees they should not be harmed. And like Tammy, she urges community members to take the necessary precautions to ensure they do not lose a cherished pet too.

Small pets that are left unattended during the day can be protected with enclosures.

“These enclosures can either be freestanding, or as in the case of cats, be set up on the outside of the house or patio with an open window to allow the cat to enter and exit the house and spend some time in the enclosure during the day.

Google the search term ‘catios’ to find a whole range of ideas for these enclosures on the internet.

It is not onle here in South Africa where people are concerned for the welfare of their pets, or conversely for the smaller wildlife that cats especially are known to predate on. So a ‘catio’ can work both ways – they keep the cat safe, and protect little birds, reptiles and rodents. They will also stop a pet from wandering and getting lost, picking up disease, or getting hit by a car.”

Tammy urges people to contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife or any of the relevant animal welfare organisations to discuss management strategies if they are worried for the safety of their animals.

For information on crowned eagles, contact:

• Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre: 076-724-6846 or 082-359-0900 kznraptorrescue@gmail.com
• Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW): 031-462-1127
• Crowned Eagle Research (Dr Shane McPherson): 061-561-0906 shane.mcpherson@gmail.com
• Crowned Eagle Research Facebook page: Crowned Eagle Research

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