Twelve Blue Cranes dead in suspected Overberg poisoning
“It was a heartbreaking sight.”
“Blue Cranes milling around while trying to revive their lifelong but now lifeless mates. The scene at the small dam on the farm near Rietpoel will forever be etched into the minds and hearts of those who saw it.”
That’s according to Wicus Leeuwner, co-founder of the Overberg Crane Group – who was called out to the site of a suspected poisoning in the Overberg in April. Twelve Blue Cranes were already dead at the dam, and another 11 were so affected that they could not stand up.
The deaths are believed to be as a result of organophosphate consumption – which will make it the second reported poisoning incident in under a year in the Overberg.
Late on Good Friday morning, members of the Overberg Crane Group were alerted about the dead cranes on the farm by a neighbouring farmer. CapeNature was also contacted and Allistair Pietersen responded immediately by rushing to the site. Wicus said, “The surviving cranes reluctantly left their partners’ sides and flew off when we approached.”
An unusually large amount of maize and wheat was found strewn around the small dam. As poisoning was suspected, all the prescribed procedures were followed – including collecting the stomach contents to be sent for analysis. The dead cranes and a dead Spurwing goose were buried.
Thanks to the quick reaction of all involved, the 11 affected Blue Cranes – who were in urgent need of medical attention – were attended to.
Wicus said, “Being Good Friday it was almost impossible to get hold of any assistance. At this point, the wonderful staff of Bergview Veterinary Hospital in Hermanus saved the day. They opened after hours specially for us and generously donated enough medication to treat all 11 affected cranes for suspected organophosphate poisoning What a wonderful gift to the cranes.”
On Saturday morning nine of the birds could walk on their own accord to a small safe dam near to where they were taken for treatment. Two birds were kept for further treatment but subsequently also left the site fully recovered.
He said, “We salute everybody involved in this process, especially CapeNature and the Bergview Veterinary Hospital who deserve special mention.”
CapeNature will release their official findings on the case as soon as the stomach analysis is completed.
If poisoning is confirmed, a case will be opened to investigate the offence. The Nature Conservation Ordinance states that people are not permitted to lay or allow anyone else to lay any poison at a place where it could be ingested by an animal. Those found guilty of contravening the law face jail time of up to 10 years and a fine of up to R100 000.
Images: Wicus Leeuwner