The International Crane Foundation’s Director, Bob Hoguet, visited the Overberg Crane Group in April. Bob and his wife Laura travelled to Southern Africa to experience the continent’s cranes and see them in their natural habitat.
The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is affiliated with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Africa Crane Conservation Programme. The ICF is a non-profit organisation that studies and seeks to conserve the world’s 15 crane species. The EWT and the Overberg Crane Group are also partners and support each other’s conservation work.
The Hoguets, based in New York, were met by Overberg Crane Group Chair, Mick D’Alton.
On a drive through the area, they were introduced to the Blue Crane – South Africa’s national bird. The Blue Crane is the flagship species of the Overberg Crane Group, and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
During the trip, they also saw Martial Eagle – an uncommon sighting in the Overberg – Fish Eagles, Denham’s Bustards and other birds that the OCG works to protect.
According to Bob, by supporting the ICF and crane conservation in general, he can make a large impact on conservation worldwide. The crane is an iconic species, and by creating awareness and education to communities in areas they occur, the habitat and other species living in the habitat benefit.