Grey Crowned Crane Faces Decline Amid Habitat Loss, Conservationists Urge Action
The Grey Crowned Crane, distinguished by its striking golden crest, has long been a symbol of Kenya’s rich biodiversity.
An image showing grey-crowned-cranes. Photo/Passion for the Planet.
By Joy Jeelagat
The International Crane Foundation has raised concerns over the alarming decline of the Grey Crowned Crane population, a species now critically endangered due to climate change and human activities.
Conservationists are calling for immediate measures to safeguard this iconic bird before it vanishes from Kenya’s wetlands.
The Grey Crowned Crane, distinguished by its striking golden crest, has long been a symbol of Kenya’s rich biodiversity.
However, its numbers have plummeted from 36,000 in 1986 to just 10,000 today, according to Joseph Mwangi, Country Manager for the International Crane Foundation (ICF).
“The Grey Crowned Crane is experiencing a rapid decline due to habitat loss from wetland encroachment and poisoning from agricultural activities,” Mwangi stated.
Kenya’s wetlands, the primary breeding grounds for the species, are increasingly being converted into farmland. Farmers, often unaware of their ecological importance, contribute to the destruction of these critical habitats. Without intervention, experts warn the cranes could face extinction.
In response, the International Crane Foundation, in collaboration with local organizations, has introduced community-based conservation initiatives. “We have provided farmers with indigenous and fruit trees, as well as bee hives, to help create buffer zones around wetlands,” said Vivian Kitui from ICF.
Farmers in counties such as Nandi and Uasin Gishu are being trained in sustainable agricultural practices, including growing indigenous trees, cultivating animal feed, and beekeeping as alternative sources of income.
“Through this program, I’ve learned how to grow vegetables and keep bees, which has improved my livelihood while also protecting the wetlands for future generations,” noted Immaculate Lagat, a participating farmer.
Recent surveys indicate that Uasin Gishu County has the highest Grey Crowned Crane population, with 2,227 recorded across 78 sites. Nyandarua follows with 969, while other populations are found in Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and Laikipia.
Beyond its ecological significance, the Grey Crowned Crane holds cultural importance in East Africa. It features on Uganda’s national flag and serves as an emblem for institutions such as the University of Nairobi.
To strengthen conservation efforts, experts recommend conducting wet-season surveys to map breeding pairs and implementing crane-ringing initiatives in key counties to monitor population trends.
By promoting sustainable farming and reducing human encroachment into wetlands, conservationists hope to restore the Grey Crowned Crane population. The International Crane Foundation remains committed to ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty of this iconic species in Kenya’s wetlands.
As efforts to save the Grey Crowned Crane intensify, the message is clear: protecting wetlands and adopting eco-friendly practices are essential to securing the survival of this endangered bird.
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