### Rehabilitation of prey birds: a fragile balance
#### An essential mission
About 150 kilometers north of Cape Town, the owl orphanage dedicates itself to the rehabilitation of prey birds, under the direction of expert Jacques Nel. The establishment faces a huge challenge: preserving species that play a fundamental role in our ecosystem. The situation of raptors on a global scale is worrying, with more than 50 % of declining species. This alarming observation also applies to South Africa, and more particularly to the Cap-Western region.
Dr. Megan Murgatroyd, specialist in raptors, underlines the importance of these predators, who maintain a balance within the ecosystem. They regulate rodent populations and eliminate sick animals, while vultures help to clean the environment of carcasses. Their disappearance would result in an imbalance and could have significant ecological consequences.
#### threats to raptors
The observation made by Jacques Nel reflects an increasing concern within the scientific and ecological community: birds of prey are threatened by various factors, mainly climate change. The latter influences the reproduction cycles, disturbing the seasons and which can lead to losses of young people during extreme climatic conditions. These observations raise a crucial question: to what extent can awareness of these environmental problems contribute to the prevention of the degradation of the habitat of raptors?
The orphanage of the owls, the only rehabilitation center accredited by the SPCA in the Cap-Western province, plays a critical role. In 2024, 457 raptors were treated in this center. This testifies to an undeniable desire to act in the face of the urgency of the situation. However, it is important to question the resources necessary to support such a mission. Funding is entirely based on private gifts, which raises the question of the sustainability of this structure in an often uncertain economic context.
### Rehabilitation in action
The history of one of the birds supported, a young person around Africa, illustrates the efforts made by the orphanage. This raptor benefited from careful rehabilitation after suffering injuries. Under the supervision of the Cape Town SPCA, this bird was evaluated and reconditioned, showing an improvement in its condition which allowed its return to the wild.
The collaboration with local actors, such as the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, which ensures monitoring of wildlife, reinforces the idea that the conservation of raptors should not be an isolated initiative. Could this community approach be generalized to maximize the impact of rehabilitation and preservation efforts in other regions?
#### A future to preserve
The question that arises at this stage is that of lasting solutions. How to mobilize more resources to strengthen the capacity of rehabilitation centers? What strategies could be implemented to raise public awareness of the challenges facing the raptors and the advantages of a balanced ecosystem? It is imperative to initiate a constructive dialogue which engages the communities, governments and private actors to develop a collective and systemic response to these issues.
The stories of compassion and success, such as that of the young person around Africa who has been able to regain his freedom, must encourage us to think about the efforts necessary to guarantee a future where raptors and other threatened species can prosper. The work carried out at the owl orphanage is a glimmer of hope in a landscape often darken by environmental challenges. By supporting these initiatives, we do not only preserve species, but we also commit to maintaining the health of our planet for future generations.