The grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, faces extinction due to climate change and habitat loss. Its population has dramatically declined over the past thirty years amidst extreme weather and urban expansion. Conservationists stress the need for immediate action to protect this iconic species and promote awareness within local communities.
The grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, is increasingly threatened by extinction due to the combined effects of climate change and human activities. Conservationists emphasize that immediate action is essential to protect this majestic species, which is a vital part of Uganda’s wetlands. The crane, standing over one meter tall, is iconic in many African wetland regions, yet its prospects in Uganda have become precarious due to habitat degradation.
Climate change has led to extreme weather patterns that are drying up wetlands, severely impacting the grey-crowned crane’s food resources and breeding grounds. Judith Mirembe, chairperson of Uganda Women Birders, noted, “We’ve had a lot of weather variations and drastic weather changes in the country. The seasons have changed and all this affects both the birds and the insects.”
Over the last thirty years, Uganda’s wetlands have experienced a dramatic shrinking from approximately 15 percent to merely 8 percent. Conservationists warn that if these trends continue, this could plummet further to as low as 1 percent in the next two decades, posing a significant risk to the crane population. Urban expansion and the demand for farmland compound the threat to these birds’ breeding opportunities.
Bashir Hangi, communication and public relations manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, stated, “When you destroy wetlands, some of them have laid eggs and you are destroying the eggs as well… How can you talk about growing the population of the crane when we are not allowing the eggs to hatch?” This reflects the urgent need for habitat conservation to support crane populations.
Despite being recognized as Uganda’s national bird, the grey-crowned crane is still hunted and exploited for traditional medicine, further jeopardizing its future. In response, the Uganda Wildlife Authority collaborates with the International Crane Foundation to safeguard the remaining crane populations. Hangi remarked on community awareness efforts, noting, “We are raising awareness about that. And communities have since started appreciating the local leaders.”
Currently, the grey-crowned crane population has declined from around 35,000 individuals three decades ago to approximately 22,000. Conservationists are calling for increased protective measures and heightened public awareness to prevent further declines in this iconic species.
In summary, the grey-crowned crane is facing significant threats from climate change, habitat loss, and human exploitation, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. The decline in Uganda’s wetlands and the cranes’ population emphasizes the need for protective measures and community engagement. Addressing these challenges is crucial to securing a future for Uganda’s national bird.
Original Source: www.bastillepost.com
