The crested crane, with its striking golden crown, red throat pouch, and slender black legs, is a national symbol of Uganda, proudly featured on the country’s flag and coat of arms. Known as the “national bird,” it even lends its name to Uganda’s sports teams. However, this iconic species is now on the brink of extinction, with conservationists warning that urgent action is needed to save it. Once revered in local Buganda culture as a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and longevity, the crested crane is now struggling to survive. Centuries-old superstitions that once protected the bird—such as the belief that killing a crane would bring misfortune or madness—have faded. Today, the crane faces threats from habitat loss, poisoning, and human encroachment.
The crested crane, scientifically known as Balearica regulorum gibbericeps, is native to Uganda but also found in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other parts of East and Southern Africa. These birds thrive in wetlands, riverbanks, and open grasslands, where they feed on grass seeds, insects, and small amphibians. However, Uganda’s rapid population growth and agricultural expansion have led to the destruction of their natural habitats. In the 1970s, Uganda was home to over 100,000 crested cranes. Today, that number has plummeted to just 10,000, according to Nature Uganda, a local conservation NGO. This dramatic decline prompted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify the species as endangered in 2012.
In western Uganda, where the cranes are most commonly found, farmers are increasingly frustrated by the birds’ raids on their crops. Maize farmer Tom Mucunguzi from Mbarara expressed his concerns: “These birds destroy our plantations and threaten our food security. We spend hours chasing them away, but it’s not enough.” Fausita Aritua, another farmer near Mbarara, shared similar frustrations. “We no longer harvest as much as we used to because the cranes eat everything. If we don’t guard our fields, we lose our crops,” she said. To protect their livelihoods, some farmers have resorted to poisoning the cranes. In Lwengo district, dozens of cranes have been found dead after consuming pesticide-laced crops. Gilbert Tayebwa, a conservation officer with the International Crane Foundation (ICF), explained, “Poisoning is one of the biggest threats to cranes. Farmers are desperate to protect their crops, but this is devastating for the species.”
Conservationists are working tirelessly to address the conflict between farmers and cranes. The ICF has been educating farmers on alternative methods to deter cranes, such as using scarecrows or planting buffer crops. However, compensation for crop damage remains a contentious issue. Philip Ntare, a farmer from Lwengo, suggested that the government should compensate farmers for losses caused by cranes. “I don’t kill them because I grew up knowing they’re protected, but the government needs to help us,” he said. John Makombo, director of conservation at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), dismissed the idea of compensation, stating, “Cranes are free-roaming species, and the government is not liable for any damage they cause.”
Beyond habitat loss and poisoning, crested cranes face other dangers. Their chicks are vulnerable to predators like eagles, especially as wetlands disappear. Power lines pose a risk to flying cranes, and their striking beauty has made them targets for the illegal pet trade. Crested cranes are monogamous, pairing for life and rarely breeding in captivity. This makes them particularly vulnerable to population decline. “If one crane is killed or captured, its mate is unlikely to find another partner,” explained Jimmy Muheebwa, a senior conservationist at Nature Uganda. Traditional healers also contribute to the problem, as some believe crane body parts can bring good luck or ensure marital fidelity. “People hunt cranes for their parts, believing they can use them for rituals,” said Gilbert Tayebwa.
To reverse the decline, the Ugandan government and conservation groups are rallying communities to restore wetlands and protect crane habitats. President Yoweri Museveni, who hails from the Western Region, has declared 2025 a year of wetland conservation, urging encroachers to vacate these critical areas. The ICF has also recruited local custodians to monitor and protect crane breeding grounds. While these efforts are beginning to stabilize the situation, crane numbers remain critically low.
The crested crane’s plight highlights the delicate balance between human development and wildlife conservation. As Uganda strives to protect its national symbol, the challenge lies in finding sustainable solutions that benefit both farmers and cranes. For now, the crested crane remains a symbol of resilience and beauty, but its future hangs in the balance. As conservationist Dan Sseruge warned, “If we don’t act now, we risk losing this iconic species forever.”
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