ONE increasingly common visitor to our gardens at this time of the year is the Egyptian goose, whose population numbers have been steadily growing over the past few years.
‘Unlike some of our local wildlife whose existence is being severely threatened by human development and urbanization, 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 spoiled for choice when it comes to sites to rear their young.’ says CROW (Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife) Director, Paul Hoyte.
Unfortunately, he says cases of conflict between Egyptian geese, humans and their domestic pets have inevitably also increased over the past few years.
Last year, Hoyte says CROW, which is situated in Durban, admitted 598 Egyptian geese.
‘Approximately 378 of these cases were admitted during our last baby season, September 2015 to March 2016. For the month of September this year, we admitted 108 Egyptian geese alone,’ he said.
What to do
So what should you do if you wake up to find a family of Egyptian geese has moved into your back garden and swimming pool overnight?
‘That depends,’ says Hoyte. ‘We know of many people who take great delight in having a family of Egyptian geese take up residence in their back yards.
‘It certainly can be a great experience for young children and an opportunity to teach them about nature.’
So for those who are happy to have these feathered guests on their property for a few weeks and provided there is no threat from cats or dogs, Hoyte advises you observe from a distance, and ‘leave them be’.
More about CROW
Founded 35 years ago, CROW was one of South Africa’s first dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centres.
Today, CROW is still the province’s only registered wildlife rehabilitation facility dedicated solely to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of all indigenous wildlife found in KZN.
Run by a small, dedicated and experienced team of staff and volunteers, CROW assists over 3000 orphaned, injured and displaced animals every year from mongoose, genets and monkeys to birds, reptiles and antelope.
They accept and assist animals from rescuers throughout the province.
Contact CROW: 035 462 1127, email info@crowkzn,co.za, emergency number (after hours) 083 2125281
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