Protecting Threatened Crane Species in Sub-Saharan Africa

Conservation initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa are focusing on the protection of four threatened crane species: the Wattled, Blue, Grey Crowned and Black Crowned Cranes. These efforts, led by partnerships including the International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, aim to reverse population declines by securing breeding, foraging, roosting, and non-breeding grounds.

The resident crane populations in Africa face significant pressure from socio-economic development, which impacts the wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands necessary for their survival. To address these challenges, conservation strategies are being designed to integrate biodiversity protection with the welfare of the communities that share lands with the birds, promoting sustainable land-use practices.

Of the four resident species, the Grey Crowned Crane is classified as Endangered, while the Wattled, Black Crowned, and Blue Cranes are listed as Vulnerable. On a global scale, 11 of the 15 crane species are threatened with extinction.

Tanya Smith, the South Africa regional manager of the Africa Crane Conservation Program—a partnership between the International Crane Foundation and the Endangered Wildlife Trust—addressed the status of these birds:

“With 11 of the world’s 15 species of cranes threatened with extinction, it’s sad to admit that all four of Africa’s resident cranes are on that list. We have our work cut out to halt the declines we bear witness to.”

Tanya Smith

South Africa serves as a critical hub for these efforts, as the country is home to three of the four resident species: the Blue Crane, which is the national bird, as well as the Grey Crowned and Wattled Cranes.

Data indicates a divergence in population trends for the Grey Crowned Crane. While the species is experiencing the fastest decline across Africa, South Africa is the only location with a confirmed increasing population of the bird.

Similar progress has been noted for Wattled Cranes, which have shown consistent growth over the last two decades. During aerial crane surveys conducted in 2018, 380 Wattled Cranes were counted.

Regarding the 2018 survey results, Smith stated:

“What we have is an incredible achievement that serves as inspiration for efforts in the rest of Africa to conserve cranes.”

Tanya Smith

Conservationists are increasingly utilizing technology to study crane biology, and movement. Through a collaboration involving the International Crane Foundation, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation, and Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, satellite trackers were successfully fitted to five wild Wattled Cranes.

Beyond resident species, monitoring efforts extend to migratory birds. Demoiselle and Eurasian Cranes are monitored to ensure their wintering grounds in northern Africa remain secure. Conservation work in Eurasia is aimed at reducing hunting pressure for these species along the Middle East/Central Asia flyway.

Legal protections are also in place to combat the illegal trade of these birds. The Grey Crowned Crane is protected under Appendix II of the Convention On The International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES). In Kenya, specific goals have been set to eliminate the presence of Grey Crowned Cranes in illegal captivity.

Smith noted that the intrinsic appeal of the birds helps drive these scientific and conservation efforts:

“Their mystery and wonder drive us to find out more so that we can ensure our efforts to conserve them are fitting and effective.”

Tanya Smith