In a landmark conservation achievement for the Texas coast, a coalition of partners at the International Crane Foundation, The Conservation Fund, and the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program has secured permanent protection for more than 3,300 acres of high-priority wintering habitat for the federally endangered Whooping Crane, one of North America’s rarest and most endangered birds.

Stand up for endangered species, like the Whooping Crane, and submit your comment(s) on the proposed rule changes to the Endangered Species Act by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 22, 2025.

As we reflect on another amazing year of crane conservation, we are highlighting some of our favorite photos from the field.

In November, most of the Whooping Cranes left Wisconsin on their southward migration!

In Uganda, natural ecosystems, especially wetlands, face growing threats from climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land-use practices such as wetland conversion and sand mining. These pressures have reduced both agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

New Visitor Center in Okhotsk Perevoz, Yakutia, established for migratory bird research and education activities.

For over 70 years, scientists and conservationists have come to understand the habitat needs of the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of Whooping Cranes. However, Whooping Cranes continue to surprise us, and they are increasingly using habitat away from the coast.

During October, the captive-reared birds were released, and migration began!

This successful approach to conservation will be shared by Kerryn Morrison, the International Crane Foundation/Endangered Wildlife Trust Partnership’s Vice President of Africa Programs, during the 9th Session of the Meeting of the Parties of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA MOP9) held from November 11-14 in Bonn, Germany.