News

Bats Worth Billions to Agriculture

In the United States bats consume so many insect pests they prevent billions of dollars worth of damage to agriculture.

Batty About Bats

How many mosquitoes can a bat eat in a night....?

Beautiful Rock Kestrels occupying an owl box

In an estate in Melkbosstrand, a pair of Rock Kestrels have bred in an EcoSolutions owl box for the past 2 years. This year, the pair produced 4 youngsters who have fledged successfully from the owl box.

Boskruin Welcomes a Spotted Eagle Owlet

On a wonderful afternoon, with another potential thunderstorm fading away, the team from EcoSolutions met with the residents of Kruinkloof Mature Lifestyle Estate for a very special occasion.

University students study how Barn Owls are used in vineyards

Barn Owls (Tyto alba) are proving to be powerful allies in sustainable farming, naturally controlling rodents in vineyards. Learn how this approach is making a difference in California.

"California Vineyards That Once Used Only Toxic Chemicals to Protect Vines Now Use Nesting Owls."

'Napa Valley vintners are increasingly turning towards winged-laborers for their pest control, and away from super toxic pesticides that poison everything, including their wine.'

Cat Poisoned and Dying, Dog’s Blood Saves His Life

On hearing terrible howls from her 7-year-old cat, Rory, Kim Edwards of Tauranga in New Zealand rushed him to the veterinarian. Rory was limp and unable to move and quite “obviously in a lot of pain.” Tauranga Vets told Edwards that Rory had most likely swallowed rat poison and could likely die, unless he received an immediate blood infusion.

CAWG Distributes 168 Owl Boxes to Winegrape Growers Across California

Californian winegrape growers are using owl boxes to promote sustainable pest control.

Cedar Lakes "Owls of the Lake" weekly wrap up.

'I didn't know what I was letting myself in for, when I volunteered to take on the dawn patrol duties, after the release of the rescued owls in January. But this has been an experience to nurture and enjoy I while can." - Nicky Sadler.

Cedar Lakes supports NPO owlproject.org

Fourways review: Tyto and Alba, two juvenile Barn Owls (Tyto alba) have found a loving home to care for them at Cedar Lakes until they are old enough to be released back into the wild.

Chatty bats are more likely to take risks

Bats Have a Lot to Say! Interesting article from Science News - ''Broadcasting vocalizations may affect group dynamics''.

Chinese fossil shows owls ‘rejected night for fun in the sun’

"Extinct owl that lived millions of years ago was active in daytime, researchers say after study of skeleton fossil found near Tibetan Plateau Analysis of bird bones and behaviour reveals the owl had an ancestor that evolved from nocturnal habits, they say."

Christmas Newsletter 2016

Eco stocking fillers and last minute Christmas gifts

Climate change and the emergence of bat-borne viruses

"Many zoonotic diseases are sensitive to changes in climate as a result of shifting habitats that introduce contact between humans and new species, as well as alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns. In a recent Viruses study, researchers discuss correlations between the emergence and spillover of bat-borne diseases and climate events and changes."

Codling Moth Mating Disruption Reaches a Milestone

Using pheromones for mating disruption of codling moth is so widely accepted in the tree fruit industry that it’s become automatic for most orchardists. But imagine where the industry would be without the technology.

Community drives owl conservation in Morningside

''Young spotted eagle owlets in Morningside receive identification rings from EcoSolutions as part of a local conservation effort to boost owl populations''