Wattled Crane Research

About

Wattled Crane (WC) are considered “vulnerable”, hence sharing the same conservation status as elephant and lion. However, unlike elephants and lions, WCs have a narrow range of suitable habitat. Populations inhabiting seasonal wetlands are reportedly nomadic in response to water availability, thus, WCs are key indicators of wetland status. The species is highly also sensitive to human disturbance thus may abandon home ranges which are impacted by adjacent land-use. Furthermore, unlike their mammalian counterparts, WCs are less studied in Botswana; with no crane-focused survey being carried out in over a decade. This hence implies that the current conservation status is likely based on outdated and selective figures.

permit ENT 8/36/4 XLVI (84)