Bugeranus carunculatus; Anthropoides paradiseus; Balearica regulorum
South Africa is home to three crane species: the Wattled, Blue and Grey-Crowned Crane. These elegant birds are amongst the tallest flying birds, with long legs and necks and distinctive head and facial features.

The Cranes mate for life, using intricate and evocative courtship dances and bugle-like calls to attract mates. They breed in wetlands or grasslands, but human impacts are degrading these ecosystems at a rapid rate and cranes are paying the price. An estimated 50% percent of South Africa’s wetlands have already been destroyed. This has resulted in our wetland-dependent cranes also disappearing at a rapid rate.

The Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus)
The Wattled Crane is by far the most endangered crane species in South Africa. Wattled Cranes are exceptionally susceptible to disturbance while nesting in wetlands, and will easily desert a nest if disturbed. To make things worse, although the birds sometimes lay two eggs, only one chick is usually hatched and reared. With only 240 Wattled Cranes left in South Africa, they need our help!

Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus)
While all cranes are majestic, the Blue Crane stands out in this regard. It is our national bird and appears on the 5c coin, yet it is also threatened. Currently only 21 000 – 25 000 Blue Cranes are left in South Africa, whilst a century ago 100 000 used to populate the region. The Blue Crane is near-endemic which means that we are the world’s custodians of this creature. We cannot allow its’ distinctive bugle calls to vanish from our remaining grasslands.

Grey-Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Of our three cranes, the Grey-Crowned Crane has the most impressive plumage. Its crown of prickly golden feathers combined with the striking black and white facial markings makes it a sought-after bird to spot in the wild. Unfortunately, some people pluck them from the wild to sell or keep as pets. It is classified as vulnerable, with only 3000 - 4000 left in South Africa, meaning that the threats facing the species should be carefully monitored in order to safeguard these remaining populations.

Let’s all work together to protect these graceful birds for future generations!