Blue Cranes are not only South Africa’s national bird, but also a tourist attraction in the Overberg. That’s why residents, environmentalists and tourists were furious after it was found that 12 Blue Cranes had been recently poisoned in the Overberg.
“It was a heartbreaking sight; Blue Cranes milling around trying to revive their lifelong, but now lifeless mates. The scene at the small dam on the farm near Rietpoel will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of those who saw it.”
This according to Wicus Leeuwner, co-founder of the Overberg Crane Group (OCG), who was called out to the site of a suspected poisoning in the Overberg in April. Altogether 12 Blue Cranes were already dead at the dam, and another 11 were so affected they could not stand up.
The deaths are believed to be the result of organophosphate consumption, making it the second reported poisoning incident in less than a year in the Overberg.
Organophosphates are very effective in treating a wide range of problem pests in homes, gardens and on agricultural farms. According to the National Institute of Health organophosphate poisoning is a major public health problem in South Africa.
Members of the Overberg Crane Group learned this shocking news late Good Friday morning.
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