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This research was done among communities living adjacent to Lake Victoria Shores in Mayuge District to generate knowledge on Shoebill, Grey Crowned Crane conservation status and linkage to livelihoods. This knowledge was necessary to guide design and implementation of interventions that would deliver on the species conservation and adjacent communities’ livelihood benefits at the same time. We obtained information through individual interviews with 101 members of households from targeted communities and key informers-technical officials from the district, and analysed this data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) by Bryman and Cramer, (2011) Version 20. The results were then subjected to validation using focus group discussions with 10 groups of between 8 - 15 individuals representing the targeted communities and other stakeholders and the results from this further validated with ≥250 representatives of these stakeholders in a one day workshop and with evidences collected during field observations, before synthesis. The findings show: Grey Crowned Crane habitats declining due to mining, agriculture, fishing activities by adjacent communities for their livelihoods (food and income from sale of produce obtained from the species’ habitats). The communities say they need to be engaged in development and implementation of integrated interventions that will improve their livelihoods while securing conservation for Grey Crowned Cranes. They among others propose ecotourism enterprises, training and sensitization on environment and wildlife conservation practices, policies and laws to enhance their knowledge and compliance in management. The fisher folk say fish is often found within Grey Crowned Cranes’ habitats and breeding grounds in the Lake and to avoid destroying the habitats, they need engine boats and standard fishing nets to enable fishing far away in the deeper waters. Crop farming communities say they need commercial, soil fertility improving tree species to plant boundary to the buffer zones so that they can prevent cultivation encroachment on Grey Crowned Crane habitats in the Lake Shores. The findings also reveal need for Grey Crowned Crane population structure studies, and, that of shoebill presence to determine management strategies for their survival in habitats.

Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum is described as an icon of Africa’s wetlands and grasslands and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Conservation efforts are partially hindered by lack of information on factors influencing breeding productivity, such as nest-site selection. Factors influencing nest-site selection were investigated at Lake Ol’ Bolossat, a 43.3 km2 wetland located in the central Kenya from 30 paired nests. Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Models were used to analyse the relationship between factors influencing nest-site selection by cranes and variables that were predicted to have a compelling influence on nest-site selection besides i) food and nesting materials availability i.e. the offshore distance of the nest and water depth, and ii) nest concealment and susceptibility to predation i.e. vegetation height and grazing intensity. Results show that variables which had a significant influence on nest-site selection were: water depth (p=0.005), the offshore distance from the nest (p=0.037), and vegetation height (p=0.035). Cranes located their nests in water points above 50 cm deep, vegetation height of 60-90 cm, and preferably 100 m offshore. A minimum of 103 territorial pairs, both breeding and non-breeding cranes, were recorded. The middle section of the lake had the highest number (52), while north and south had 32 and 19 pairs respectively. The mean distance between any two pairs was 302.53±17.02 (SE) meters. This study sheds some light on the understanding of characteristics of Grey Crowned Crane’s nesting sites that will facilitate manipulation and management of breeding sites. Lake Ol’ Bolossat is consequently a critical breeding site with a substantial role in the species’ population recovery and survival. A wetland management option that aims at achieving sustainable use of lake’s resources by local communities without compromising needs of wildlife is highly commended.

The iconic Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum is facing an increase in threats to its wetland habitat and poaching for the captive trade market. This has resulted in an enduring long-term decline in population numbers, which led to the species being listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. In Rwanda, Grey Crowned Cranes are threatened by human factors often driven by conditions of poverty, livelihood disadvantage and lack of conservation awareness. Previous population estimates suggested there were fewer than 500 Grey Crowned Cranes left in Rwanda. The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association and its partners have been working toeliminate the illegal trade and boost the population numbers in Rwanda. In August 2017, the first national census of Grey Crowned Cranes in Rwanda was carried out to serve as a baseline and to increase the accuracy of previous estimations. The survey was conducted over three days using both aerial and ground survey techniques. The results show that at least 487 Grey Crowned Cranes occur in Rwanda and include details on distribution and habitat type. Challenges for Grey Crowned Crane conservation at different sites are discussed, such as wetland transformation for agriculture, and illegal activities in protected marshlands. To ensure the long-term viability of this species, there is a need for upscaling of conservation efforts in key crane areas, continued monitoring of the crane population including trans-boundary collaboration, and strategies to promote the sustainable use of wetlands.Keywords: census, conservation, Grey Crowned Cranes, population trends, Rwanda

The dorsal lingual surface of the grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum), American flamingo (Phoenicopterus rubber), great egret (Ardea alba), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), black-necked stilt (himantopus mexicanus) and green macaw (Ara militaris) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. In the grey crowned crane, the surface of the lingual apex was relatively rough. Many openings of the lingual glands in both lateral regions of the lingual body were observed. The surfaces of many conical papillae were smooth. Many openings of the lingual glands were observed in the region of the lingual root. In the American flamingo, the surface of the lingual apex was relatively smooth. The surfaces of many fang-like and mustache-like structures were smooth. In the great egret, the surfaces of the lingual apex, central part of the posterior lingual body and giant conical papilla were relatively smooth. Many openings of the lingual glands were observed on the lingual root. In the mallard, the surface of the lingual apex was relatively smooth. The thread-shaped and scale-shaped structures were observed on the anterolateral region of the lingual body. The saw-shaped papillae on the posterolateral region of the lingual body consisted of the thread-shaped structure and big processes. In the Himalayan monal, the dorsal surfaces of the lingual apex and body were relatively smooth. The posterior part of the lingual body consisted of several conical papillae. Many openings of the lingual glands were observed on the lingual root. In the black-necked stilt, the surface of the lingual apex was relatively smooth. The dorsal surface of the lingual body was rough to comparison with that of the lingual apex. The posterior part of the lingual body consisted of several conical papillae. In the green macaw, the surface of the lingual apex had many grooves. The posterior part of the lingual body consisted of several conical papillae. These findings indicate a close correlation between the shape of the tongue and the method of food intake, the type of food, and bird's habitat.

Three species of cranes are distributed widely throughout southern Africa, but little is known about how they respond to the changes in land-use that have occurred in this region. This study assessed habitat preference of the two crane species across land-use categories of the self contained small scale commercial farms of 30 to 40 ha per household (A1), large scale commercial agriculture farms of > 50 ha per household (A2) and Old Resettlement, farms of < 5 ha per household with communal grazing land in Driefontein Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA), Zimbabwe. The study further explored how selected explanatory (environmental) habitat variables influence crane species abundance. Crane bird counts and data on influencing environmental variables were collected between June and August 2012. Our results show that varying land-use categories had an influence on the abundance and distribution of the Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) and the Grey Crowned Crane (Belearica regulorum) across Driefontein Grasslands IBA. The Wattled Crane was widely distributed in the relatively undisturbed A2 farms while the Grey Crowned Crane was associated with the more disturbed land of A1 farms, Old Resettlement and its communal grazing land. Cyperus esculentus and percent (%) bare ground were strong environmental variables best explaining the observed patterns in Wattled Crane abundance across land-use categories. The pattern in Grey Crowned Crane abundance was best explained by soil penetrability, moisture and grass height variables. A holistic sustainable land-use management that takes into account conservation of essential habitats in Driefontein Grasslands IBA is desirable for crane populations and other wetland dependent species that include water birds.

Background The International Crane Foundation (ICF) / Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) African Crane Conservation Programme has recorded 26 403 crane sightings in its database from 1978 to 2014. This sightings collection is currently ongoing and records are continuously added to the database by the EWT field staff, ICF/EWT Partnership staff, various partner organizations and private individuals. The dataset has two peak collection periods: 1994-1996 and 2008-2012. The dataset collection spans five African countries: Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia; 98% of the data were collected in South Africa. Georeferencing of the dataset was verified before publication of the data. The dataset contains data on three African crane species: Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum and Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculatus. The Blue and Wattled Cranes are classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Vulnerable and the Grey Crowned Crane as Endangered. New information This is the single most comprehensive dataset published on African Crane species that adds new information about the distribution of these three threatened species. We hope this will further aid conservation authorities to monitor and protect these species. The dataset continues to grow and especially to expand in geographic coverage into new countries in Africa and new sites within countries. The dataset can be freely accessed through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility data portal.

This study investigates if vocal monitoring of the Grey Crowned Crane, Balearica regulorum gibbericeps, is a feasible method to monitor their population. The vocal repertoire of the Grey Crowned Crane was analysed for individual, pair and sexual differences. Wild cranes could not be differentiated by individuals and sexes, and were therefore investigated for identification of pairs. Results were supplemented with data on captive birds for individuals and sexes. The results show that individuals and sex identification are possible in the unison call. Pair identification is feasible in the unison call. Vocal monitoring can, therefore, be used as a possible monitoring tool in Grey Crowned Crane populations.

This study presents the results of preliminary studies on the ontogeny of two of the three calls of chicks of the grey crowned crane Balearica regulorum gibbericeps. The observed patterns are consistent with those presented in other studies of nonpasserine bird species in that the frequency range decreased in both investigated calls. The duration, however, showed fluctuations in the contact call and no consistent pattern. In the begging call of captive chicks the duration increased as is found in other nonpasserine bird species. Resume Cette etude presente les resultats d'etudes preliminaires sur l'ontogenie de deux des trois cris d'appel des poussins de la grue couronnee Balearica regulorum gibbericeps. Les cartacteristiques observees sont semblables a celles presentees dans d'autres etudes sur les especes d'oiseaux non passereaux dans la mesure ou l'ecart des frequences diminuait dans les deux cris etudies. La duree presentait cependant des fluctuations dans le cri de contact sans caracteristique permanente. Pour le cri de demande des poussins captifs, la duree augmentait ainsi qu'il fut decouvert chez d'autres especes d'oiseaux non passereaux.

The study describes the vocal repertoire of the Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum gibbericeps and speculates on the purpose the calls serve. The repertoire consists of 4 tonal and 7 non-harmonic calls. Chicks have 3 different vocalizations.

This paper presents the acoustic features and the behavioural context of the unison call of the East African Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum gibbericeps. It speculates on the different functions of the unison call according to the situations where it is given. This is tested with the appeasement-threat hypothesis, which claims that the threatening acoustic characteristics of the unison call should be enhanced if it is given as a territorial call. In comparison, the appeasing acoustic characteristics should be stronger if the unison call is performed at flock sites where it possibly serves for mate assessment.

Of the six species of cranes occurring in Africa, the Black Crowned Crane ( Balearica pavonina ) is Near-threatened, the Wattled Crane ( Grus carunculatus ) and Blue Crane ( Anthropoides paradiseus ) are Vulnerable, the Grey Crowned Crane ( B. regulorum ) is rapidly declining, and the Atlas Mountain population of Demoiselle Crane ( A. virgo ) may be Extinct. Over the past decade, intensive coordinated surveys have resulted in significant revisions to the population estimates for Africa's cranes. The total population of Wattled Crane, previously estimated at 13 000–15 000 birds, now numbers less than 8 000 individuals and the species is in decline in as many as nine of 11 countries in its range. The B. p. pavonina population is highly fragmented and has been reduced to approximately 15 000 birds, whilst it is likely that the B. p. ceciliae population is also in decline. The East African population of Grey Crowned Crane ( B. r. gibbericeps ) has been reduced to 43 000–55 000 birds, an almost 50% decline in the past 20 years. The estimated population of Blue Cranes (>25 580) reflects a slight increase over previous estimates but is substantially lower than historical levels. Crane numbers are seriously affected by degradation and disturbance of breeding grounds and capture for domestication and trade. Ostrich 2007, 78(2): 175–184

The three South African crane species — the Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradisea), the Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) and the Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum regulorum) — are listed as threatened by the IUCN. This study investigated the suitability of Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA markers in paternity testing in these species. RAPD primers were tested for polymorphism and RAPD profiles were scored and screened for sex linkage. The average Band Sharing Coefficient (BSC) of unrelated individuals was 0.665 (±0.103) for Blue Cranes, 0.745 (±0.060) for Grey Crowned Cranes and 0.736 (±0.056) for Wattled Cranes. Comparisons of these BSC values for unrelated individuals with BSC values of parent:offspring combination within the Blue Crane and the Grey Crowned Crane gave inconsistent results, with some parent:offspring BSC values being lower than the BSC of unrelated individuals. The results indicate that RAPDs are inappropriate for use in paternity testing in South African cranes. In the future, microsatellites should be investigated as an alternative paternity-testing technique to RAPD analysis.Ostrich 2006, 77(1&2): 90–94

Rwandan vet, Olivier Nsengimana, recently won a Rolex award for enterprise for his mission to save the grey crowned crane, which is dying out in Rwanda because of illegal poaching. He is currently studying by distance learning for a masters degree in conservation medicine with the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Beilfuss, R.D., Meine, C.D., & Archibald, F.W. 2000. The World Crane Action Plan: implications for conservation of cranes and wetlands in Africa. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 227. The IUCN Species Survival Commission recently published The Cranes: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Prepared over the past three years by the IUCN Crane Specialist Group, the document reviews the status of the world's cranes (Family: Gruidae) and their habitats, summarises recent crane conservation actions, and specifies priority measures for the future. Eleven of the 15 crane species are now proposed for inclusion on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, and several subspecies and populations are critically endangered. Africa supports six species of cranes in 39 countries. The Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina, national bird of Nigeria, is resident in western and central Africa. The Grey Crowned Crane B. regulorum, national bird of Uganda, spans eastern and southern Africa. The Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculahrs, l...