The crested crane, a beloved symbol in Uganda, is on the brink of irreversible decline due to habitat loss, poisoning, and capture for the pet trade. Conservationists warn that urgent measures must be taken to protect this iconic species.
The crested crane, with its majestic golden crown and slender black legs, is a beloved symbol in Uganda. Featured on the country’s flag and coat of arms, this iconic bird has been a source of national pride for centuries. However, recent years have seen a decline in its population, and conservationists warn that it may face extinction if urgent measures are not taken to protect it.
The Crested Crane (Grus virgo) is a large wading bird native to Africa and Asia.
It has a distinctive crest on its head, which can be raised or lowered at will.
Reaching heights of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), the Crested Crane is one of the largest birds in its range.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, small reptiles, and aquatic plants.
The species is listed as Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
The crested crane is protected by law in Uganda, with severe penalties for those found guilty of killing one. A life sentence and/or a fine of 20bn Ugandan shillings ($5m; £4m) await those who harm the bird. Despite this protection, the crested crane has faced numerous threats, including habitat loss, poisoning by farmers, and capture for the pet trade.
For centuries, local Buganda cultural superstition protected the crested crane, which was seen as a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and longevity. The bird’s kith and kin were believed to flock to the killer’s home, holding vigil and mourning by collectively honking until the person went mad or even died. This fear instilled respect for the cranes, and they were revered and not killed.
However, farmers in western Uganda have become increasingly frustrated with the crested crane‘s presence, which they see as a threat to their food security. ‘I really don’t see any value in these birds because all they do is raid our plantations and eat our crops,’ said Tom Mucunguzi, a maize farmer from near Mbarara city. Conservationists, on the other hand, recommend using scarecrows instead of poison to deter the cranes.
The crested crane‘s population has declined terribly in the last 25 years, with over 80% fewer birds found in eastern Africa. In Uganda alone, the number has dwindled from over 100,000 in the 1970s to a mere 10,000 today. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put the crested crane on its red list of endangered bird species.
Conservationists identify several threats to the crested crane‘s survival, including:
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Poisoning by farmers
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Habitat loss and destruction due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization
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Capture for the pet trade
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Traditional hunting for body parts believed to bring good luck or faithfulness
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Climate change, which affects breeding patterns and habitat availability
In an effort to reverse declining numbers, the Ugandan government and conservationist groups are rallying communities to restore wetlands. President Yoweri Museveni has declared 2025 a year of wetland conservation, urging encroachers to vacate wetland areas. The International Crane Foundation (ICF) has also recruited custodians to monitor and protect the cranes’ breeding grounds.
The crested crane‘s fate hangs in the balance. If urgent measures are not taken to protect it, this iconic species may face extinction. Conservationists and governments must work together to address the threats facing the crested crane and restore its population to a healthy level.
