Concern for Blue Cranes as numbers fall
With Blue Crane numbers on the decline, especially in the Overberg, urgent conservation action is needed to protect South Africa’s national bird.
According to the latest research looking at the Blue Crane population, numbers fell approximately 19% across the country between 2011 and 2019. The decrease in the Overberg population matches the national trend, with the population peaking in 2010, and experiencing a significant decline in subsequent years.
This research, undertaken by Dr Christie Craig, Conservation Research Analyst at the International Crane Foundation/Endangered Wildlife Trust (ICF/EWT), confirmed that the Overberg is home to the largest number of Blue Cranes, estimated at around 25,000 individuals. The Karoo has the second-largest population, estimated at 16,000 birds.
Threats to Blue Cranes
Blue Cranes face a number of threats across South Africa, including the Overberg. Powerline collisions are considered the most significant threat, with 116 carcases found over the course of two years, mostly close to shallow waterbodies where cranes roost and drink.
Despite their preference for the agricultural landscape, there are also threats for the birds on farms, such as fence entanglement, getting caught in baling twine and chicks and juveniles drowning in water troughs.
Poisoning also remains a significant concern. While Blue Cranes are seldom the intended target, attempted poisoning of other birds such as Spurwing and Egyptian Geese at dams have in the past resulted in Blue Crane mortalities. According to Dr Craig at the workshop, “Modelling shows that should current poisoning rates increase, and more than 100 cranes are poisoned in the Overberg every year, then our national bird could be locally extinct in 100 years.”
