Two African spotted eagle-owls (Bubo africanus) have been observed on the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Hatfield campus. Bearing in mind that these two owls may be breeding pairs, the Department of Facilities Management purchased an owl house for them from the Owl Rescue Centre. The house is specifically designed for African spotted eagle-owls. 

This is not the first time that owls have been spotted on the University’s campuses.  Despite this, the species is considered rare because of its low-density population. In the past, there have also been sightings of Western barn owls on UP campuses.

Owls are predatory nocturnal animals and are rarely spotted during the day. They hunt rodents, mammals, birds and insects. Spotted eagle-owls are the most common owl species found in southern Africa. They have a healthy population in most parts of the region. They are often called urban owls and live close to human habitation. Spotted eagle-owls have acute hearing, which enables them to pinpoint the tiniest of sounds. Their faces are shaped so that sounds reflect towards their ear openings to amplify sound. They can catch prey in complete darkness by following the sound.

They have huge eyes and excellent vision and can see at night. Their pupils act independently of each other, allowing them to see something in bright light and shadow simultaneously. Owls have forward-facing eyes and binocular vision, which also means they have a narrow field of vision. Owls have evolved flexible necks that twist around 270 degrees to overcome this. They can swivel their heads to look behind them without moving their bodies. They are farsighted and cannot focus on things that are close up. If you see an owl bob its head up and down or from side to side while looking at you, it is trying to get a clear, three-dimensional picture of you. It is also interesting that their eyes don’t reflect torch light. Their wings have a soft, comb-like edge. This allows them to move silently, ambushing unsuspecting prey. In addition, they can be heard while flying in pursuit of their prey. They can also fly slowly. 

Spotted eagle-owls are monogamous and form life-long pair bonds. They don't build a nest but use a suitable site. In southern Africa, eggs are laid in late winter to spring (August to October).

Humans are owls biggest threat and it is a well-known fact that people kill owls out of fear or superstition. They also collect their eggs. Worse, our poisoning of rats leads to secondary poisoning when owls eat them. The breeding pair of African spotted eagle-owls will deter rats and other rodents on campus. We can help by not poisoning rats with pesticides that will harm or kill owls when they eat the rats. Also slow down when driving at night and be alert to the possibility of hitting an owl on the road. Spread the word to those who fear owls that they are harmless and are beneficial friends to humankind, as they can help keep rat and insect populations in check.

Wild and rural owls hide or retreat from people and watch them approach. Sometimes the female feigns injury to distract attention from the nest or chicks. Owls that have become habituated to humans generally don’t fly off when approached by people, but attack the intruder if it comes too close to their chicks. They fly at the intruders, sometimes scratching them with their talons.