The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and International Crane Foundation (ICF) partnership has been working on crane conservation alongside key partners such as Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife, the KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation, and Eskom for the past 30 years. These collaborations have resulted in significant advances in crane conservation across South Africa.

Between 1998 and 2006, a National Crane Census was conducted annually to estimate population sizes and monitor the distribution of the three crane species: Blue, Wattled, and Grey Crowned Cranes. This valuable data was collected by South African citizens, demonstrating the power of public participation in conservation.

Now, after two decades, we are restarting the Crane Census, using modern technology – in this instance WhatsApp – to make it easier than ever for people across the country to participate.

We are calling on all South Africans to assist us in this important Citizen Science initiative. It is vital that we verify whether observed increases and declines in crane populations are accurate. By working together, we can better understand these trends and contribute to meaningful conservation action.

Each crane species has unique ecological requirements, and expanding our understanding of these needs is essential for their long-term survival.

Wattled Crane

In 2025, the Wattled Crane in South Africa was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered, with an estimated population of approximately 288 individuals, primarily in KwaZulu-Natal. This represents a significant conservation success.

However, this population remains critically small, and the increase has been largely confined to KwaZulu-Natal. In Mpumalanga, the breeding population has declined dramatically from 45 pairs in the 1990s to just 4 pairs in 2025.

Understanding the current distribution of Wattled Cranes across South Africa is essential to ensure continued conservation success and to support future range expansion. The South African Crane Census will play a key role in identifying populations outside of KwaZulu-Natal.

Grey Crowned Crane

The Grey Crowned Crane population in South Africa is currently considered stable, with an estimated 7,000 individuals, although the species remains classified as Endangered.

Notably, South Africa hosts the only population in Africa that is not in decline. Annual aerial surveys conducted in KwaZulu-Natal show steady population growth. However, outside of this province, very little is known. Existing data suggests that declines may be occurring elsewhere in the country.

The Crane Census will help determine whether these suspected declines are real and where conservation efforts should be focused.

Blue Crane (South Africa’s National Bird)

The Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird, has unfortunately been uplisted to Vulnerable due to population declines in the Western Cape and potentially in the Karoo.

The current population is estimated at approximately 30,000 individuals, reflecting a 39% decline since 2010. As this species is endemic to South Africa, its global survival depends entirely on conservation efforts within the country.

There is also evidence that the Blue Crane’s range is shifting northwards from the Western Cape and westwards in the Karoo, highlighting the need to better understand how this species is adapting to changing landscapes.

The Crane Census will provide critical insights into current distribution patterns and habitat use.