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SOUTH AFRICAN CRANE WORKING GROUP - OVERVIEW
Cranes are spectacular, graceful, long-lived birds that have captivated people for millenia. The lifelong devotion demonstrated by mating pairs has resulted in them being symbols of peace, happiness and longevity.
South Africa’s Blue Crane is prized as a symbol royalty and only Zulu Kings are allowed to wear the feathers in their headdress. Not surprisingly then, the Blue Crane is South Africa’s national bird. However, this national bird with plumes “fit for a king” is now disappearing.
WHO IS THE SOUTH AFRICAN CRANE WORKING GROUP?
SACWG's objectives are to ensure the harmonious coexistence of natural crane populations and people on the same land and to ensure the survival of South Africa's three crane species and their natural habitats. Established in 1995, The South African Crane Working Group [SACWG] is a national body who aims to coordinate and initiate crane and habitat conservation efforts in South Africa. SACWG is made up of a network of regional and national crane conservation projects and working groups and is active in all 10 key crane regions in South Africa. A number of scientists or experts in fields closely aligned with crane conservation have also been co-opted into the group.
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CRANES IN CRISIS
The Blue Crane (centre), South Africa's National Bird, has declined drastically to around 25 000 individuals. The Wattled Crane (left) is critically endangered, with only 235 left, and the Grey-Crowned Crane (right) is listed as "vulnerable" in South Africa, around 4 500 birds. The Blue Crane has declined by over 80% in the eastern part of its range in the past three decades, and considering that a hundred thousand were reported in the early 1960’s, one realises the precarious situation the cranes face. While there are a number of crane groups that have emerged to address the crisis, along with government nature conservation departments, the situation of cranes in our country is still very urgent.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS?
The above photograph shows how agricultural development can lead to loss of crane habitat and the poisoning of cranes. The cranes' decline is caused by them having to share the same environments used by humanity. With the human population explosion and need for more development in all spheres, the greatest threat to the cranes is the loss of their habitat, wetlands and grasslands. Human activities such as mining, forestry, commercial farming, overstocking; draining/damming of wetlands, erosion and tourism developments destroy these habitats. The other threats to cranes are powerline and fence collisions, poisoning and the taking of chicks from the wild.
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
 | Most importantly: Cranes are large, conspicuous birds and are often the first to disappear under increased environmental pressure. They therefore act as indicators of the health of our environment, particularly of grasslands and wetlands. Cranes are dependent on these and we as humans rely on them for our survival too. South Africa is world-renown for its biodiversity, and our grasslands and wetlands support a rich diversity of species. By promoting crane conservation we play a role in encouraging safe environmental practices, environmental education and sustainable utilisation of these resources for the benefit of all. |
| | Cranes promote ecotourism and job creation Ecotourism is blossoming in South Africa, with birding trips in particular growing at a rapid rate |
| | The Blue and Grey Crowned Crane have cultural significance to many local communities. |
| | Cranes have great aesthetic and emotive appeal in terms of their dance and calls, and as symbols of the wilderness |
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