The objective is to create a group for everyone who is interested in our local wildlife. We (Bo and Les) plan to include all things wild on several outings.

 Introduction 

Bo van der Lecq – I have approximately 32 years’ experience in birds of prey conservation and apart from being involved and associated with numerous established wildlife organisations, I have founded and established 10 projects of which some are still active today. I was raised and schooled in Johannesburg, did my compulsory twelve-month army training, relocated to Cape Town for almost 20 years where I was married and divorced and returned to Jo’burg in late 1991 where I became heavily involved with raptor conservation. 

Les van der Lecq – I met Les whilst conducting a birds of prey presentation at the Meyersdal Eco Estate in Alberton, Johannesburg during 2017 and as she showed considerable interest it was inevitable thus that I would invite her to join one of my nearby projects being Meyer’s Farm Verreaux’s Eagles – for which I obtained the Birds of Prey Programme of the Endangered Wildlife Trust Conservationist of the Year award in 2009 – which afforded her the opportunity to become involved and work with the eagles. In August 2018 we tied the knot and two years later sold up and relocated to Clarens where we are still involved with raptor conservation. 

Our Involvement 

Under auspices of our Raptor Conservation Projects (founded in 2000) from 1993-2021 and beyond, we have been involved with numerous projects of which the majority was founded by us. CWIG thus will also form part of the extended list. As every project is self-run by us and or others, educational presentations / talks on the subjects reflected below can be arranged should the need arise. Projects reflected in bold are still active. 

Black Eagle Project Roodekrans 1993-1999 & 2007-2015 (Participation) 

Owl Nest Box Project 1995 (Founded) 

Rock Hyrax Capture & Reintroduction 2002-2008 (Founded) 

African Fish- and Long-crested Eagle Behavioural Studies 2004-2015 (Founded) 

Meyer’s Farm Verreaux’s Eagles 2007-2019 (Founded) 

Little Falls Wildlife Reserve 2007-2008 (Founded) 

Owl Poisons Awareness Campaign 2014 – incorporated in the Owl Nest Box Project (Founded) 

Bat House Supplies & Installations 2016 (Founded) 

Wildlife Raptor Reptile Rescue Action Group 2018 (Founded) 

Clarens Raptor Observation Project 2021 (Founded) 

Clarens Wildlife Interest Group 2022 (Founded) 

Members can make a choice between

guided field outings, and/or

educational evening talks.

We plan to publish a newsletter on a regular basis as well to which members can subscribe.