Efforts are under way to free South Africa’s national bird from the threat of extinction
Sheree Russouw
With the smooth elegance of a ballerina the blue crane pirouettes, leaping on top of the ground. His long neck seems to reach straight up to heaven as he delicately folds his body into seductive curves. Then, as if on cue, he bows. His potential partner, flattered by this mating dance, breaks out in a guttural birdsong. Their union is vital, as time may be running out for South Africa’s national bird.
South Africa is home to 99% of the blue crane population. But the 2001 Avian Census reveals that only about 17 800 blue cranes exist today.
“Worldwide, cranes have traditionally been revered as symbols of peace, happiness and longevity. But over the past two centuries, they have suffered great losses in their numbers and their range. This decline is echoed in all three of South Africa’s crane species the grey crowned crane, the blue crane and the wattled crane,” says Janis O’Grady of the KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation.
The blue crane and the grey crowned crane which numbers about 3 500 are listed as “vulnerable” species. The future also looks grim for the wattled crane. It is listed as “critically endangered” and there are only 235 of these birds left in South Africa.
O’Grady works closely with the crane conservation group, the South African Crane Working Group (SACWG). It was established in 1995 and is affiliated to the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
A former environmental reporter for the Natal Witness, O’Grady is enamoured of the blue crane. “It is our most elegant and beautiful crane with its wonderful shade of blue-grey, its large smooth head and very emotive behaviour. To see a flock of blue cranes flying in formation is an experience one never forgets.”
O’Grady says that in the past two decades the blue crane population has declined by almost 80%. Blue cranes are losing their grassland habitats to agriculture and detrimental development. “The blue crane is a victim of man’s expansive development and greed for land. It is an ambassador for South Africa and could be one of the last living icons of pristine grasslands,” she says.
The International Crane Foundation says the blue crane is the most geographically restricted of any crane species. But the good news is that the SACWG has established conservation projects in nine of the 10 key crane regions in South Africa.
O’Grady says that some blue cranes favour the dry, agricultural landscapes of the Western Cape and the eastern grassy Karoo veld, while others flock to the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape and the Free State. “An exception is the Overberg and Swartberg regions in the Western Cape, which are wetter, that boast the largest population of 12 000 blue cranes. They live in the wheat and pasture agricultural systems there and seem to be doing fine. This a great case of adaptation to a modified habitat.” A small population is found in Namibia around the Etosha Pans.
As a result of their short bills, cranes forage on dry upland grasslands feeding on grasses, seeds, waste grains, small vertebrates and insects.
Cranes are found on farmlands where agricultural practices are extensive and impact on the natural environment, says O’Grady. Inevitably this leads to conflict with local farmers. The birds are shot and, in some instances, farmers intentionally poison blue cranes to protect their crops. Others die from accidental poisonings after eating bait intended for other species. But because 99% of cranes live on private farmland, landowners are key players in crane conservation initiatives.
“The blue crane is an important indicator of a healthy grassland ecosystem. We all need grasslands for grazing and for crops. Without healthy soils, there is no food for generations to come. The blue crane is the flagship species for other dry land and grassland endemic species because of its sheer beauty and size. It is a symbol of South Africa’s heritage and identity.”
O’Grady says another threat to blue cranes is the capture of the birds as pets and for profit. “The illegal trade in cranes is big in South Africa. Private bird breeders are some of the worst culprits. They pay ignorant rural people to find the chicks, which are then placed in facilities where they are raised for breeding or export. Despite heavy fines, the laws are not really being implemented.
“Hunting with dogs is another problem in KwaZulu-Natal. People hunt for antelope and put money down to see whose dogs are best. The consequences for other wildlife are huge as there is major disturbance of breeding cranes in grasslands where dogs would run. The dogs stop to get the chicks. And when hunting is for food, crane chicks are prime targets, though there is little meat on them,” she says.
To make matters worse, because the birds are so large they collide with power lines, which wound them and sometimes kill them.
As a result of the census, which was started by the SACWG in 1998, the threat of extinction may free the birds from the dark wings of doom. Counting a particular species of birds, O’Grady says, “encourages private landowners to play a role in helping to count cranes on their land. Every year since the creation [of the census] in 1998, we have had more commitment from landowners countrywide in counting cranes.”
The census is usually completed in a weekend in July. “In winter blue and grey crowned cranes are found in large non-breeding flocks and therefore they are less spread out. The wattled crane breeds in winter, allowing monitoring of the breeding activity of the bird over the census period. The census aims to create more awareness among landowners and their managers about the cranes on their properties and how these relate to national numbers.”
Radio, print, TV and Internet advertising informs the public of the census. A strong focus is placed on reaching farmers and farm workers. The results, which are ready within two months, are then fed into a central database for analysis.
“After four years, the census is producing the desired results by determining a more accurate national population estimate of the blue crane. Crane conservationists get a good idea of where to direct their efforts and activities more efficiently. More landowners are coming on board and more cranes are being counted, providing an average of each species. It increases the awareness of crane custodians [landowners and farm workers] by encouraging their participation in the census. It shows levels of participation from landowners. The results of conservation efforts are promising,” says O’Grady.
The SACWG’s intensive education programmes are heightening awareness. Already, crane numbers have increased in Overberg, KwaZulu-Natal and in Mpumalanga. The programmes focus on actively involving the landowners in conservation initiatives, leading to an increase in the number of blue and grey crowned cranes.
“Thousands of the country’s farmers have become active crane conservationists. Farm workers have been targeted for conservation training through education programmes and the wattled cranes have been released into the wild.”
But O’Grady cites numerous long-term needs for the species. “We need dry grasslands. We need support from landowners, land users, their families, children, the general public. Tourists need to be encouraged to visit places promoting the blue crane. Awareness and pride for our national bird needs to be rooted in rural communities. These communities need to own conservation projects around the species.”
While environmental legislation provides official protection, O’Grady says its enforcement is pivotal. “We need to work together to ensure the long-term survival of the blue crane. The government needs to acknowledge the conservation laws and policies and see that they are implemented and the wrongdoers are caught. Agricultural departments should zone in on irresponsible agriculture and those practices that are depleting our biodiversity every day. Our natural resources need to be conserved for future generations of wild species and for mankind.”
SACWG will be holding workshops at the Marquee at the Monument Grounds during Scifest. Lindy Rodwell will be talking on blue cranes on March 16 at the Monument Olive Schreiner Hall
ENDS