Makatsa and chick coping after Thulane’s disappearance
BERP Chairman, Gerald Draper confirmed that one egg has hatched and Makatsa has been bringing in food and leaving the nest occasionally.
After many community members expressed their concern and heartbreak over the disappearance of the male eagle (Thulane) there has been a lot of speculation that the female (Makatsa) will have a difficult task raising her chick/s and might even abort the current breeding cycle.
However, photographer Shane Wilken said, “I totally disagree with the speculation that Makatsa might not continue with the current breeding cycle as I have been to the mountain every morning and afternoon. I viewed Makatsa feeding on prey and feeding her young chick. She looks adamant and I believe she will bring up a young eagle on her own despite the odds.”
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/297253/thulane-has-gone-awol/
The Black Eagle project Roodekrans (BEPR) monitors believe it is too early to speculate now as they are still considering a lot of factors.
BEPR Chairman, Gerald Draper confirmed that one egg has hatched and Makatsa has been bringing in food and leaving the nest occasionally.
Gerald said, “The problem is that when she leaves the nest, the chick is left exposed to the weather and other threats in the wilderness.”
One of the main concerns raised on social media was the possibility of having the eggs incubated and raising the chicks in captivity.
BEPR was very quick to respond to this concern and reminded the community that it is almost impossible to get to the nest without the help of professional rock climbers and that BEPR does not interfere with nature, stating that raising a chick that will only survive in captivity is not an option.
