Urgent Conservation Required as Uganda’s National Bird Faces…

The grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, is at serious risk of extinction due to climate change and human encroachment. As wetland habitats diminish, cranes face challenges in securing food and breeding grounds. Their population has decreased significantly over three decades, prompting calls for urgent conservation measures. Collaborations and community education are essential to protect this iconic species.

The grey-crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird, faces a critical risk of extinction due to climate change and human activities. Conservationists emphasize that unless immediate measures are implemented, this emblematic species may continue to decline. These cranes, which can exceed one meter in height, are commonly found in Africa’s wetlands. In Uganda, a strong population faces challenges in finding appropriate food and nesting areas as wetland habitats diminish.

Extreme weather changes, particularly rising temperatures in East Africa, threaten to dehydrate wetlands and disturb ecosystems, further limiting food availability for the cranes. 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 past thirty years, Uganda’s wetlands have drastically decreased from 15 percent coverage to only 8 percent. Conservationists warn that if current trends persist, this could decline to a mere 1 percent by 2040. Both climate change and the increasing demand for farmland contribute to the cranes’ precarious situation, affecting their reproduction success.

Bashir Hangi, communication and public relations manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, highlighted the destructive impact on crane eggs resulting from wetland destruction. He stated, “When you destroy wetlands, some of them have laid eggs and you’re destroying the eggs as well, so how can you talk about growing the population of the crane when we are not allowing the eggs to hatch?”

The grey-crowned crane is still hunted despite its status as Uganda’s national bird, and certain communities utilize it for traditional medicine. To combat these threats, the Uganda Wildlife Authority collaborates with the International Crane Foundation to protect remaining populations. Hangi remarked on their efforts, “For example, this year we are in Insingiro [District] because there are quite a number of them there in the wetlands of Masha, and we are raising awareness about that.”

With crane numbers decreasing from approximately 35,000 three decades ago to about 22,000 today, there is an urgent call for stronger protections and increased public awareness. Conservationists emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the grey-crowned crane to ensure its survival for future generations.

The grey-crowned crane of Uganda is imperiled by climate change and human activities, necessitating immediate intervention to avert extinction. Significant losses in wetland habitats and ongoing hunting practices underscore the urgency for conservation efforts. Partnerships between organizations and community awareness are vital to preserve this national symbol, which has seen its population decline dramatically in recent years. Advocating for the importance of this species will bolster collective action towards its protection.

Original Source: www.bastillepost.com