Pilanesberg Owl Box Project

Owls in many cultures are regarded in a highly superstitious nature and are often associated with death and bad luck. On the contrary these silent hunters are a pivotal part of the Environment.

Pilanesberg is home to at least 5 species of owls ranging in size from the 50cm tall Spotted Eagle Owl to the diminutive diurnal Pearl-Spotte d Owl standing a mere 19cm tall. Owls are not just part of our natural heritage but are highly beneficial in the control of Rat and Mouse populations. In this regard Owls can be used in and around areas of human settlements and structures as natural control mechanisms for rodents. Owl nesting boxes are fast becoming a common site in our Urban areas and not only control rodent populations but also greatly contribute to Bio-Diversity.

		The Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust has initiated a project to place Owl Nesting Boxes in the Pilanesberg National Park. Boxes will be put up in the Lodges around the Park and at all the hides and picnic sites. Individuals and Businesses can sponsor one or more boxes for the Hides and Picnic sites and thereby help to increase the amount of nesting sites available to Owls. The boxes will also help in keeping the Rodent populations in check around these sites and stop the Owls from nesting on and in the buildings and causing damage.

Once a box has been sponsored continued involvement is highly encouraged but not essential. You will participate in yearly maintenance work and when the box has been occupied and breeding starts the ringing of the chicks in the nest will be a highlight. Monthly updates of the donated boxes will be sent out to the specific sponsors highlighting any new developments with their Owls.

The sponsorship cost for an Owl Nesting Box is R5,000.00 and the average life span of the Box is 3 years. All proceeds from the sale of these boxes go directly to the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust.

Andrew Jackson
CEO Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust