Today was the grand opening of the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Congress is held once every four years and brings together 10,000 government leaders, indigenous community members, philanthropists, and conservation leaders from more than 150 countries worldwide.
Zambia holds a special place in global crane conservation. The country hosts more than half of the world’s Vulnerable Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) population, alongside the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum). These iconic birds depend on vast wetlands such as the Kafue Flats, Bangweulu Wetlands, Liuwa Plain National Park, Busanga Swamps, and Barotse Floodplains for their survival.
During September, the first breeding pair left Wisconsin and traveled to Illinois!
An Endangered Whooping Crane, lovingly named “Ducky,” died earlier this month due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The loss marks the first confirmed death of a Whooping Crane due to HPAI.
This summer, the International Crane Foundation in Zambia partnered with the Mumbwa District Health Office to conduct a voluntary health screening for Wildlife Police Officers, Community Scouts, International Crane Foundation staff, and their families at Blue Lagoon National Park.
A local grassroots celebration of cranes has now grown into a national platform for education, cultural exchange, and conservation action.
Deep in northern Rwanda lies Rugezi Marsh, a 6,735-hectare high-altitude peatland that plays a crucial role in both biodiversity and people’s daily lives. The marsh is not only a breeding site for more than 25% of Rwanda’s Grey Crowned Crane population, but it also regulates the water flow to Burera and Ruhondo lakes—vital sources of the country’s hydroelectric power.
How can we better understand renesting behavior and the potential it plays in maximizing the breeding season for this endangered species?
Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. The past month’s big news: this year’s wild-hatched chick, W1-25, fledged!
As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, and ahead of marking Heritage Day on September 24, the Endangered Wildlife Trust/International Crane Foundation partnership has launched its new Blue Crane project focusing on habitat restoration, addressing threats posed by infrastructure, collaborating with partners such as farmers, and monitoring and research.
