Threats facing Blue Cranes

Habitat destruction Most of the crane species are affected by habitat loss.  The dependence of cranes in general on wetlands is a worrying factor as there have been a dramatic los in wetland areas throughout the world. (Allan, 1994).  The Blue Crane, which is less dependant on wetlands than the other crane species of the world, with the exception of the Demoiselle Crane, is also affected by habitat loss, mostly its grassland habitats.  Commercial afforestation is one of the biggest threats to natural grasslands, but sugar plantations nad urbanisation also play a role. Poisoning The decline in crane populations within grasslands coincided with numerous reports of poisoning (Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Centre, 2006). The Overberg Crane Group was established due to incidences of Blue Crane in an effort to curb the spate of poisoning incidences (Hudson, 2005). Poisoning is either intentional where the Blue Crane is targeted, usually because it is becoming a nuisance, or un-intentional where another species is targeted or poison is accidentally taken in while feeding.  Most poisoning cases in South Africa is unintentional where either poison bait is place to catch other species (e.g. Helmeted Guineafowl) or where birds feed in an area where insecticides have been spread and ingest poison contaminated insects and seeds.  A list of poisons and their effects can be found in Appendix 1. The Overberg Crane Group works in partnership with the Poison Working Group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, to combat the misuse of agrochemicals so that wildlife poisoning is limited How can you help? •    All suspected poisonings of Blue Cranes need to be reported to the OCG. •    Agrochemicals should only be used for what they are designed for and the correct dosage and application should be strictly adhered to. Illegal trade Cranes are highly sort after birds in the pet bird market and are collected to adorn gardens (Frandsen, 1982). Chicks are removed from the wild to satisfy this demand.  Furthermore Blue Cranes, the chicks and eggs are often collected for food(Allan, 1994).  Blue Cranes are protected in the Western Cape Province and the removal of cranes and crane eggs from the wild is illegal (Allan, 1994). How can you help? •    Do not promote the trade in Blue Cranes by keeping adults or chicks in captivity.  Serious fines can be imposed on individuals keeping Blue Cranes illegally. •    Please report any individuals who are keeping cranes in captivity Power line collisions Blue Cranes regularly collide with power lines, especially in the Overberg region of the Western Cape Province as they fail to see the lines especially when the lines are obscured by a dark background (Allan, 1994). How can you help? •    Please report all dead cranes to the Overberg Crane Group. •    Please contact the OCG if you have any areas on your property or know of any other areas where Blue Crane power line collisions are frequent. Fences Due to their long legs and necks Blue Cranes often get entangled in fences.  Chicks prior to fledging also get caught up in fences when they climb through the fences when moving between camps. How can you help? •    Report any dead cranes found at fences. •    Free any cranes caught in fences. Bailing twine Blue Cranes hang around sheep/ostrich feeding areas where they come into contact with bailing twine which often become tangled around their legs.  The twine cuts off the circulation to the lower legs and eventually results in amputation.  As Cranes forage by walking through the landscape, an injury of this sort is often fatal depending on how mush of the leg is amputated. How can you help? •    Please pick up any bailing twine lying around especially at sheep/ostrich feed lots. •    Please make sure you dispose of any bailing twine effectively. Other Other threats include: •    Chicks are often victim to drowning in water troughs (Hudson, 2005). •    Nests are often destroyed during harvesting •    Blue Cranes often compete with livestock at feed troughs which make them a pest to the farmer. How can you help? •    Place a few concrete blocks or any other suitable material into water troughs as to provide steps for chick to remove themselves from the troughs. •    Before harvesting, identify crane nests and mark them clearly as to avoid destroying them. •    Loss of sheep fodder at feeding troughs can be avoided by placing a single strand of wire around the troughs so as to prevent the cranes from gaining access.

 

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