Conservation Status & Population Numbers

POPULATION NUMBERS AND TRENDS Populations in the past were estimated to be around 100 000 individuals (Hockey et.al. 2006), but recent population estimates ranged between 15 855 and 25 120 individuals (South African Crane Working Group national census figures, unpublished reports). Significant population declines have been reported from many areas most of which are from areas in the grassland portion of the Blue Crane’s range (Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 2006). Declines were documented from areas such as the Natal and Transvaal areas where the crane’s grassland habitats are likely to remain at risk, but in the Karoo region the population is stable while in the agricultural areas of the south-western Cape Province the crane populations are increasing (Hockey et. al. 2006). CONSERVATION STATUS  Although the Blue Crane is still found in most areas within their historic range, crane populations have experienced significant and rapid local declines over the last twenty years (Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 2006). In some areas populations have declined by about 90% (Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 2006). The Blue Crane seems to be stable in South Africa’s karoo region, but they are thriving in the agricultural areas of the Fynbos (Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, 2006). In Natal and the Eastern Cape, Blue Cranes have drastically declined by about 75 to 95 percent (CS). According to the IUCN category, Blue Cranes are vulnerable (A2 b, c, d, e + 3 b, c, d, e), CITES appendix 2.  The IUCN status is the global status and when the species is almost entirely within a country the global status and that countries status is usually the same.  In the case of the Blue Crane, the IUCN 2006 status and the South African red data book status are both vulnerable.  Namibia (currently busy with their red data book) with their small threatened population may decided to give the Blue crane a higher threat rating (the current proposal is to list as critically endangered)

 

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