‘It’s astonishing’: endangered bat not seen in 40 years found in Rwanda
'A critically endangered species of bats not sighted in 40 years has been found in Rwanda, with the “incredible” discovery delighting conservationists who had feared it was already extinct.'
‘My jaw dropped’: Bat loss linked to death of human infants
Science.org: In places where bat populations crashed, farmers sprayed more insecticides, and baby mortality spiked
41 children hospitalised after rat poison consumption
''Gauteng Department of Health investigates as children mistakenly ingest rat poison, raising serious concerns.''
5 non-toxic ways to get rid of rats, according to pest control experts
"Experts have shared their top non-toxic tips for getting rid of rats, including a cheap fix sitting in your kitchen. Carrying diseases that can be transmitted via urine and droppings, as well as wreaking havoc in your green space, rats are considered to be unwelcome visitors by many. Although there is a wide array of rat repellents available on the market, these often contain harmful chemicals that can also destroy the rest of your garden."
Rodent numbers always seem higher with the approach of winter. The reason for this is that rats have depleted their summer bounty and are now looking for food within households, warehouses and office parks. In addition to the search for food, the colder weather often lure rats into roofs and storerooms in search of warmth.
A hoot and a cheer for 2020!
Our final newsletter for 2020 touches on our wonderful success in the Owl Box Project, our new stand at Lifestyle Garden Centre as well as our revamped website, our Christmas shopping catalogue and an invite to a talk by Jonathan Haw in collaboration with the International Owl Center in USA
"A new breed of ‘super rodents’ resistant to poison could be dangerous to humans"
"A NEW breed of 'super rodents' are sweeping the UK, and they're immune to poisonous pesticides. In the last 20 years, most rats and mice in the UK have evolved to build an immunity to a commonly used poison."
"A new home at Marlboro Gardens School for owls"
"Hussein Moyo of EcoSolution gives teachers and learners a brief discussion on the importance of owls and how they help humans during a visit to Marlboro Gardens."
"A new study has concluded that there is no clear evidence that COVID-19 was transmitted from bats"
"A new Tel Aviv University study rejects assertions that the origin of the COVID-19 outbreak lies in bats. According to the study, bats have a highly effective immune system that enables them to deal relatively easily with viruses considered lethal for other mammals."
A ring ceremony - you're invited.
A lot of our members and followers are watching and enjoying the Verreaux's Eagle Owlet (Bubo lacteus) on the EcoSolutions Owl Cam. It is all really exciting at the moment as the owlet is often alone on the nest and is growing rapidly. On Monday, 21st September, we are placing a ring on the Verreaux's Eagle Owlet. Join us on Facebook live.
A Tiny, Partially Missing Bone Structure in Bat Ears May Have Cleared the Way for Echolocation to Evolve.
"No matter what's for dinner, many different species of bats hunt using sound. Some bats use echolocation to target mosquitos, while others seek out cattle for blood-sucking or search for agave flowers to sip nectar from. Now, researchers suspect a tiny ear bone may reveal details of how they evolved their specialized echolocation abilities, according to a study published this week in Nature."
Site News
Alberta adds two bat species to province's list of endangered animals.
Alberta Environment and Parks has added two bat species to the province's list of endangered animals. Northern myotis and little brown myotis are now listed as endangered.
All Eyes On Owls
It’s not every day the birth of a wild animal changes the course of a person’s life, but that’s what happened to Karla Bloem. In the spring of 1997, Bloem was working for the small community of Houston, Minn., in the state’s southeastern corner, creating a nature center as a way to serve the town’s trailhead for the Root River Trail. At the same time, some 200 miles to the east in Antigo, Wis., a 3-week-old great-horned owlet fell out of her nest in a pine tree, permanently injuring her left elbow and leaving her unable to fly. The owlet, which would eventually be named “Alice,” remained in the care of the Raptor Education Group, Inc., in Antigo for several months.
And the Owl Cam continues...
This afternoon, EcoSolutions has gone live with an Owl Cam set up to watch 3 beautiful Spotted Eagle Owlets (Bubo africanus) grow!
Are barn owls natures best pest control
A new study shows just how much owls can help farmers reduce rodents in their fields.
Arjen van Zwieten and Fanus van der Merwe.jpg
Art, Awards and Awareness
EcoSolutions Autumn Newsletter
"Artificial nests a hit with owls"
"A Cyprus Scops owl has made herself comfortable in an artificial nest, one of about 1,000 owl nesting boxes that have been put up in various locations across the island as a natural way to combat rodents."
Artificial nests for Barn Owls (Tyto alba) help farmers befriend these natural rodent hunters.
"Barn owls are prolific hunters. They are known as “farmers’ friends” as they feed on over 20 small mammal species worldwide including rodents, acting as natural pest control. Konwar saw it as an advantage and decided to move the family of owls from under the roof to inside the mill. Eventually, the owls became accustomed to having humans around and became friendly with Konwar’s family and neighbours."
