Protection of wildlife a priority at Steyn City

Knowing that it would be ideal to release the owl back into his home environment, Steyn City Properties consulted the services of Eco Solutions, an organisation that has been involved in urban ecological planning and urban ecology for the past 15 years.

The rapid urban development taking place in the area poses challenges to indigenous urban species in terms of their natural habitats being destroyed. "Urban mammalian and avian wildlife is far more adaptable than generally thought," says Jonathan Haw of Eco Solutions. "They will attempt to stay at sites and adjust to disruption and change because invariably they actually have nowhere else to go."

Rehabilitation pen

Steyn City's environmental management and Eco Solutions built a rehabilitation pen in which the owl was securely housed when he was brought back to Steyn City after his time at FreeMe. He was fed and monitored daily for approximately three weeks until deemed fit to be released back into his home environment. Axis Communications generously supplied a CCTV camera to further monitor the pen remotely, especially during the night.

"Steyn City Properties has invested in numerous ecological initiatives with the assistance of Eco Solutions to ensure that the estate strives towards being ecologically responsible during the construction phase and remains so upon completion," commented CEO of Steyn City Properties, Giuseppe Plumari.

One such initiative being Eco Solution's Owl Box Project, which aims to create safe and suitable breeding sites for the Spotted Eagle Owl and the Barn Owl; both species are found in the greater Gauteng area and currently face limited breeding sites. Nine Spotted Eagle Owl boxes and six Barn Owl boxes have been erected around the estate.

Natural pest control

Furthermore, Steyn City has invested in natural pest control mechanisms through 30 artificial perches and ten bat hotels at key points within the estate to control rodent and insect populations. These natural pest control methods reduce the need for pesticide usage and in turn help create a cleaner environment.

The owl boxes, bat hotels and perches will be accompanied by relevant educational signage. "This allows residents and members of the public insight into the environmentally responsible manner in which the estate intends to control its rodent and insect populations. It also enhances a green ethos and in some cases has resulted in the more dedicated and frequent use of waste bins. It tends to create a green and environmentally friendly consciousness which impacts on both residents and visitors alike," says Haw.