Wattled Crane Downlisted Regionally: Celebrating a Conservation Victory

In a significant conservation achievement, as confirmed by the upcoming IUCN Red List update in May 2025. This success results from three decades of collaborative efforts by the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)/International Crane Foundation partnership, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW), private landowners, and conservation NGOs across the Drakensberg region.

Key Population Recovery

• 2015: Only 267 individuals recorded in KwaZulu-Natal
• 2024: Population increased to 304 birds
• 32-year aerial surveys (partnering with Eskom and EKZNW) track progress

While this regional improvement is encouraging, the global Wattled Crane population continues to decline, requiring urgent conservation attention beyond South Africa’s borders.

Three Decades of Conservation Action

Since 1994, the EWT has led efforts including:

• Power line mitigation with Eskom
• Wetland habitat protection through Biodiversity Stewardship
• Farmer engagement for breeding site conservation
• Advanced tracking technology (transmitters, drone mapping)

“This downlisting reflects 30 years of dedicated work,” says Dr. Damian Walters of EWT. “It shows how collaboration can protect both species and the grasslands/wetlands we all depend on.”

Future Focus Areas

1. Expanding wetland rehabilitation using hydrogeomorphology data
2. Studying non-breeding crane movements via satellite tracking
3. Strengthening Mpumalanga population connectivity
4. Securing long-term funding through grassland carbon trading

The EWT acknowledges key supporters including the Dohmen Family Fund, Rand Merchant Bank, and Eskom for enabling this conservation success story.