Results of a 2017 Crane Balearica 2017 Partial Survey of Grey

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Grey Crowned Crane Research & Conservation Programme in Kenya

Results of a 2017 partial survey of Grey Crowned

Crane Balearica regulorum gibbericeps in Kenya

Wanyoike Wamiti1, Werner Schröder2, Günter Nowald3, David Fox4, Xavier Chauby5, George Ndung’u6, Mary Waweru6,7, Eva Cherotich8, Bakari Ng’ang’a4, Maina Gichia4 and Dominic Kimani1,4,7

1National Museums of Kenya, 2The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union-NABU, 3Cranes Conservation Germany, 4Friends of Kinangop Plateau, 5Nationale Reserve Arjuzanx, France, 6Cranes Conservation Volunteers, 7University of Eldoret, 8Kenya Cranes Conservation Forum Corresponding Authors: [email protected] & [email protected]

January 2018

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Summary

This report on partial counting of Grey they attended to eggs or chicks deep in Crowned Crane in Kenya took place the swamps and/or were skulking. between 1st and 15th Dec. 2017, with Additionally, areas surveyed were not additional observations until 31st Dec. In comprehensively covered. This survey nearly four decades, there has not been also followed heavy rains across the any national-level regular counting of country meaning that most cranes were cranes in Kenya except the African widely spread. Consequently, it should Waterbird Census whose coverage be considered to recommend a leaves out potential sites that cranes comprehensive survey in mid March, occupy. Different authors have reported when adults and young flock together a continuously declining population of and can be counted more easily. A cranes in eastern Africa and therefore, bigger team too could ensure that an attempt to determine the current counting lasts a shorter time than two status of the Kenyan population, its weeks. In terms of threats, it is evident distribution and threats facing the that adult cranes are still being poached species was deemed imperative. A total (mostly for local consumption and/or of 43 localities in 15 Counties were trade) besides collection of eggs and covered by this survey. The Lake juveniles at breeding sites and habitat Victoria basin was not incorporated due loss. These factors are negatively to uncertain political situation at the time affecting the crane populations across of the survey. A total of 1,234 Grey Kenya severely and therefore, practical Crowned Cranes were recorded, 3.24% actions are urgently required to enhance being juveniles. This figure was conservation and protection of the unexpected given that most of the species and their habitats. This may cranes’ strongholds were visited include stamping out poaching, halting compared to an estimated population of wetlands and grassland loss and/or 10,000 to 12,500 individuals (Morrison, degradation, restoration of habitats, and 2015). This raises uncertainty about the enactment or amendment of legislation status of the Kenyan cranes population. and policies as necessary. The latter Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu Counties could embrace drafting and had the highest number of cranes with implementation of a National Single 302 and 198 individuals respectively. At Species Action Plan for the Grey single sites, Lake Ol’ Bolossat had the Crowned Crane, banning of captive highest population of 286 while custody of ALL endangered species, and Northlands had the largest flock of 124 robust management of suitable breeding cranes. This survey took place during sites such as the recently gazetted Lake the peak of the breeding season where Ol’ Bolossat Protected Wetlands Area birds could have been missed out as and several others across Kenya.

Cover photo: A flock of Grey Crowned Cranes feeding in a wheat stubble field in Kasuku, Lake Ol’ Bolossat, Nyandarua County. (Photo: Günter Nowald, CCG)

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Background

Morrison (2015) describes the Grey conservation and survival is proposed to Crowned Crane (Balearica reguloram) as start in March 2018. an icon of Africa’s wetlands and grasslands. It is an African endemic Other than the AfWC programme that species currently listed as Endangered started in Kenya in 1991 (Nasirwa & on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Bennun, 2000), there has been no other Species (BirdLife International, 2016), on way of monitoring the Grey Crowned Appendix II of CITES (CITES-UNEP, Crane population in Kenya. In Kenya, local cranes counts were organised in the 2017), and Appendix I Category 3(c) of the African-Eurasian Waterbird late 1980s, but have not been conducted Agreement (AEWA) (Wetlands on a regular basis since 1990 (Hill, 1988). International, 2005) due to a continued The Kenyan crane population has been population decline across its range, reported as declining over the years. For mainly arising from illegal trade in their example, Urban et al. (1986) estimated a eggs and wild caught cranes, alongside a population of 35,000 individuals; Gichuki precipitous loss of wetlands and (1993) reported 22,000 to 27,000, while grassland habitats (BirdLife International, Morrison (2015) gives an even lower 2016). figure of between 10,000 to 12,500 cranes. These estimates indicate a In the recent past, there has been continuously declining population whose advances in cranes research and status is currently unknown. This paucity conservation in Kenya. Muigai (2016), of knowledge on the Kenyan cranes’ through a support from The Nature and population hence necessitated the need Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU, for the current survey. BirdLife Germany) has been monitoring threats facing cranes population at Lake It is apparent that a national-level survey Ol’ Bolossat since 2015. The results of a is needed especially now that different proactive awareness campaign are quite institutions are coming together to draw a remarkable; some of the achievements National Single Species Action Plan for being a great reduction in poaching of the Grey Crowned Crane and establish adult cranes, collection of eggs and cranes conservation programmes that chicks, and increased awareness among includes research. Such action plans the local community. This has seen an require a more recent estimate of the increase in number of fledged chicks from species’ population including its 1 in 2016-2017 to over 25 in 2017-2018 distribution. This survey aimed at breeding seasons. conducting a ground count of cranes in sites where the species has been Waweru (In prep.) recently concluded an reported in the past or is expected based MSc thesis on the Lake Ol’ Bolossat on habitat suitability. In fact, BirdLife cranes population looking at some International (2018) has proposed several aspects of its conservation biology. conservation actions including conducting Further, a PhD-level research on the of standardised and coordinated surveys, status of Lake Ol’ Bolossat’s cranes raising awareness and population population and factors affecting their monitoring of this species.

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Survey objectives National Single Species Action Plan for the Grey Crowned Crane, and use The objectives of this survey were: the data for other reasons i. Identify sites where the Grey Crowned iii. Embrace lessons on what is needed Cranes are currently found in Kenya to plan and execute comprehensive including assessment of habitat surveys in the future to yield reliable status, threats and an estimate of the and regular estimates of the Grey species’ population. Crowned Crane’s population and its ii. Use the findings to inform and provide status in Kenya. guidance towards development of a

Methods and Materials

Grey Crowned Cranes (hereafter may be 500m radius, prevailing weather referred to as cranes) in general occupy conditions and other observations. mixed wetland-grassland habitats with a Interviews were conducted to source preference for short to medium height information from the local communities open grasslands adjacent to wetlands such as how many cranes they usually where they forage (Meine & Archibald, see around their homes and whether 1996). They also occupy agricultural land they are aware of any poaching and such as cultivated croplands, fallow and trapping of cranes. irrigated fields. We therefore targeted making observations in such habitats. Counting cranes: Three teams Prior to the survey, the Kenya Bird Map comprising of 3 or more members, and Project (http://kenyabirdmap.adu.org.za/) sometimes accompanied by a local was consulted for recent sightings of guide, drove at a speed of c.20-30 km/hr Grey Crowned Cranes in Kenya as well along the roads and designated tracks in as referring to past distribution records conservation or public areas. Due to their and team’s personal experiences. A few large size and white patches on the individuals reached out to assist with wings, cranes’ presence was easily counting cranes in areas where the detected from 20m to 1.5 km without the teams were not able to reach! help of a pair of binoculars or telescope, although these were then used to Materials: The following were used improve on observations and in counting. during the census: telescope, 8-10x42 In open and vegetated areas, the teams binoculars, notebooks, camera and a walked out of the car or used the roof to datasheet. The following data was scan for cranes. In national parks and recorded: date, observers, name of areas with dangerous wildlife, armed site/locality, GPS coordinates, habitat rangers accompanied the team. Vantage type, number of cranes in each age class points were also used to scan for cranes. (chick, juvenile, immature/sub-adult, The knowledge of local guides was adult), group type (single, pair, family, invaluable. At Lake Naivasha, a motor flock), number and species of wildlife and boat was used. Vehicles were branded waterbirds in proximity of cranes, number with two A2 crane posters, one on either of humans and activities near sighting, side. The poster served the purposes of types and number of livestock within avoiding suspicion and identifying what

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya the teams were after, especially in public counted in Kinangop, Lake Naivasha, places without a local guide. It also parts of Lake Ol’ Bolossat, Ol Pejeta, attracted the curiosity of people who Lolldaiga hills, Naro Moru, Solio Ranch voluntarily provided information or started and Lewa. a conversation on our mission. In general individuals, government and non- Team 2 was first composed of Wanyoike governmental institutions responded very Wamiti, Günter Nowald and Xavier positive on the Grey Crowned Crane Chauby with Eva Cherotich and Mary monitoring program. It can be assumed Waweru coming in. They counted in that a national crane Subukia, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, monitoring/conservation in future will get Thika Sewage, Mwea NR, Mwea rice a lot of public support, when properly paddies, Kenol, Northlands, Dandora advertised. Sewage and Nairobi National Park.

Team 3 initially had Werner Schröder, George Ndung’u, Mary Waweru and Maurice Wanjala and wound up with an addition of Maina Gichia. They counted in Eldoret, Kitale area (incl. Saiwa Swamp NP), Nandi County en route Kericho, Masai Mara NR, Narok, Mau Narok, Njoro, Molo, Kuresoi and Soysambu Conservancy.

Figure 1: Part of the team participating in the 2017 partial Grey Crowned Crane survey in Teams 2 and 3 counted in Mugie Wildlife Kenya 2017 (Photo: Günter Nowald, CCG). Conservancy where they also tagged 3 chicks with GPS satellite transmitters to Coverage: Figure 2 is a map of Kenya monitor their movements and dispersal. showing areas where cranes were Cranes Conservation Volunteers (Kenya) counted during this survey by the 3 counted at Lake Ol’ Bolossat and most of teams. its catchment.

Team 1, comprising of David Fox, Dominic Kimani and Bakari Ng’ang’a

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Figure 2: A map of Kenya showing where Grey Crowned Cranes were counted during the 2017 partial survey. (Map developed in Google Earth).

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Results and Discussion

Total Grey Crowned Cranes Cranes numbers in major areas

A total of 1,234 cranes were counted Table 2 is a summary of the major areas during this survey. Table 1 below shows with total number of cranes counted. Lake the number of cranes that were counted in Ol’ Bolossat and Eldoret had the most each of the 15 Counties that the teams cranes. Unlike these two areas that visited. Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu had comprised several sites within, Northlands the highest number of cranes with 302 and in Ruiru was the only single site with the 198 individuals respectively. Murang’a largest population at 172 cranes, with 124 County had the least cranes recorded of them in a flock feeding in fallow maize stubble field. Table 1: Number of Cranes and areas in the 15 Counties that were surveyed. Table 2: Sites that recorded more than 20 cranes (plus all other sites) during the partial 2017 survey. No. of sites County No. of Cranes surveyed No. of County Sites Cranes Bomet 2 10 Kajiado 1 115 Nyandarua Lake Ol' Bolossat 286 Kiambu 3 174 Uasin Gishu Eldoret 198 Kirinyaga 2 20 Kiambu Northlands, Ruiru 172 Laikipia 5 49 Kajiado Amboseli National Park 115 Meru 1 32 Nakuru Lake Naivasha 88 Murang'a 1 4 Nyeri Solio Ranch 49 Nairobi City 4 18 Nandi Emgon 45 Nakuru 7 150 Uasin Gishu Kitale 36 Nandi 1 45 Meru Lewa Wildlife Conservancy 32 Narok 2 35 Narok Masai Mara/Mara Triangle 27 Nyandarua 2 302 Nakuru Molo 24 Nyeri 2 53 Laikipia Mugie Wildlife Conservancy 23 Uasin Gishu 2 198 Kirinyaga Mwea Rice Scheme 20 Trans-Nzoia 8 29 All other sites (combined) 119 Total 43 1,234 Total 1,234

Cranes group sizes

There were 141 locality sightings during this survey. The minimum group size was one crane (14 occasions or 10.07%) while the maximum group/flock size was 124. There were 106 sightings of between 1 and 5 cranes as the dominant grouping category (see figure 5). Pairs were the most common of all group types accounting for 47.5%. The mean group size was 8.9 cranes per group. Figure 3: An adult Grey Crowned Crane recorded as a pair near the GK Prisons, Mwea, Kirinyaga Figure 5 below also shows that the County (Photo: Eva Cherotich). majority of cranes counted were single 7

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya individuals, pairs and small flocks of fewer weeks old) were observed during the than 20 cranes. There were only 3 survey. A total of 40 offspring (3.24% sightings of groups of more than 80-100 juveniles) were recorded. Eleven (11) cranes, and only 2 with over 100. more pairs were incubating. At Mugie Wildlife Conservancy, 2 pairs (with 1 and 3 Breeding records rd chicks) had fledged by 3 Dec. 2017 when

the survey teams arrived there.

In early February, about 32 chicks had been confirmed at Lake Ol’ Bolossat with 14 (44%) of them having fledged, while 2 pairs were reported with small chicks in Solio ranch and a pair in Nairobi National Park. These records points to an extended breeding season lasting from as early as July until March-April. The timing is

Figure 4: A Grey Crowned Crane in the nest, Ol’ however dependent on the onset of the Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia County. (Photo: D. rains and availability of suitable cover as Kimani) has been observed at Lake Ol’ Bolossat. Adults incubating and feeding dependent, flightless chicks of various ages (1 to 12

120

106

100

40 Frequency groups) of (number

20 15

2 111 1 111 1 1 0 5 - 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 1 ------100 105 110 115 120 125 6 ------11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 56 61 66 71 76 81 86 91 96 101 106 111 116 121

Grey Crowned Crane group sizes range (number of cranes)

Figure 5: A graph showing the frequency of various group sizes of Grey Crowned Cranes group sizes observed during the 2017 partial survey.

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Survey Sites Account

In this section, brief notes for each major site where cranes were observed in each of the 15 Counties are presented. The number (population) of cranes in each County and major sites (in cases where more than one site was surveyed) are shown in parenthesis.

BOMET COUNTY (10) fields, and would be a suitable study area for cranes-livestock interaction. This county has potential sites especially the Kipkelok area which needs to be KIRINYAGA COUNTY (20) explored in our future surveys. Sightings of cranes were at Kipkelok and daraja sita Two sites were surveyed, Mwea National areas that had 4 and 1 pairs of cranes Reserve on the morning of 12-12-2017 respectively. The flock at Kipkelok were and Mwea rice paddies on 12th and 13th seen flying on 24-12-2017 early in the Dec. 2017. There were no cranes in the morning at 0724hrs while the pair at reserve although the shores and swamps daraja sita was feeding in a wetland on of Kamburu hydro-electricity reservoir 31-12-2017. could offer a suitable habitat. The 20 cranes were recorded in the rice paddies, KAJIADO COUNTY (115) 2 at GK Prisons and 18 flying over Karima village/research at 7.00am on 13th. Efforts Counting was only done in Amboseli to trace this flock within the rice paddies National Park that was visited on the were in vain and were thought to have evening of 8th and morning of 9th flown towards Embu for feeding. Mutunga December 2017. A total of 31 pairs were & Mitau (2017) conducted a survey of recorded plus an incubating individual. A cranes in this area and recorded 40 adult visit in the park on 23rd Dec. 2017 cranes, the majority of them at the GK recorded a total of 115 cranes, 70 of them Prisons. Although they reported from the in a flock. local community that finding a trapped or dead crane was rare, our survey KIAMBU COUNTY (174) established that crane poaching is a happening alongside poisoning of Cranes were observed from only two sites, waterbirds, especially ducks and geese. a pair near Limuru town on 21-12-2017 The poison used on ducks and geese is and the rest (172) in Northlands (in Ruiru) said to have severe side effects on people on 14-12-2017. Thika sewage ponds didn’t who consume the carcasses, such as have any cranes. Northlands had the stomach pains, diarrhoea and nausea. largest single flock of 124 cranes recorded in the entire survey that was feeding in a LAIKIPIA COUNTY (49) fallow maize stubble field. Three pairs were suspected to be nesting, with one Lolldaiga Hills Ranch (6) nest confirmed as incubating. Eight cranes This ranch, located at the eastern end of were observed feeding from a livestock Laikipia County, was visited on 11-12- feeding trough in the morning and later on 2017 where 6 cranes were recorded in within the cow sheds, an observation of pairs at Fisi, Valley and Samaki dams. cranes co-existence with livestock. The The management earlier on reported entire farm has swamps suitable as cranes breeding without low breeding breeding and extensive foraging grassland success owing to drying out of dams that 9

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya exposes the unfledged chicks to Other sites in Laikipia predation. The avifauna of this part of Six cranes were reported by Paul Benson Laikipia that is being proposed for (Lolldaiga Hills) from a flower farm near designation as an Important Bird Area is Timau. There are also reports of cranes in well known. Suyian and Loisaba Conservancies. Wilson Ndiritu (Mpala Ranch) reported 3 Mogwooni Farm (2) flocks of 106, 45 and 3 cranes at Mtoka Two cranes were reported on this farm on Mbali, Rumuruti on 27-01-2018 while Kuki the 21st Dec. 2017. The farm has Gallmann had cranes in and around Ol Al extensive Acacia drepanolobium Nyiro Conservancy. Taken together, woodlands and a few glades. Laikipia County is suitable for cranes and should be considered for a comprehensive Mpala Ranch (4) coverage in future surveys. This ranch has some man-made wetlands and wooded to open grasslands suitable MERU COUNTY (32) for cranes foraging. The four cranes were recorded on 21st Dec. 2017. The The only site surveyed in this County was neighbouring properties such as Segera Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on 13-12- Ranch could also hold cranes and should 2017 where 32 cranes were recorded, 16 be considered in future surveys. each at Lewa headquarters swamp and Subuiga plains in mixed group types. The Mugie Wildlife Conservancy (23) conservancy reported having counted up The survey team spent two days, 4th and to 60 cranes in the past, some with chicks. 5th Dec. 2017, in this conservancy not only Lewa has suitable habitats for crane’s counting cranes but also tagging and breeding, foraging and roosting. Future marking cranes’ chicks with GPS satellites surveys should consider reaching to Meru transmitters. Six pairs were recorded National Park where cranes have been breeding (incubating and with fledged or seen before. unfledged chicks). The breeding sites (swamps and springs) face a threat from MURANG'A COUNTY (4) the Rumuruti-Mararal highway construction, but efforts are being made to The four cranes recorded in Murang’a divert the highway. County were a pair each in two dams at Kenol, Githanji and Mukaba where cattle, Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy (14) dogs and humans are potential sources of Two visits were made on 8 and 9 Dec. disturbance to breeding and foraging 2017 covering the entire conservancy. cranes. However, a discussion with the One pair was confirmed breeding County Government could lead to a (incubating), and the first author has control on access and utilisation of previously recorded a pair breeding at the resources. There are also several other marshes each year since September sites such as Kakuzi Limited and swamps 2011, mostly with one chick besides in river valleys that should be visited in the recording flocks of 10 to 30 cranes in the future. wheat fields. Another pair was seen mating at Ol’ Pejeta dam while a third was thought to be breeding at the marshes.

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

NAIROBI CITY COUNTY (18) fishing activities along the lake edges was observed. Marula Estates has reports of Although Nairobi City County has several cranes nesting in their restored swamps. potential though small sites for cranes, we only surveyed Nairobi National Park on Lake Nakuru National Park (6) 15-12-2017. The other two sightings from The park was surveyed on 7th Dec. 2017. the road were at Kabete and Garden Flamingo hill camp had a pair while two Estate along the Eastern by-pass. pairs were at Muya’s causeway (with a nesting recorded observed on 2nd Aug. Nairobi National Park (16) 2016). Cranes were recorded in the following areas inside the park: Nagolomon dam Molo (24) (10), Hyena dam (2), Eland hollow dam (2, Molo area was surveyed on 13th and 14th incubating and reported with a chick in mid Dec. 2017 where 3 sightings were made January 2018) and Olomanyi near junction at Seti (22) and Baringo village (2). 22 (2). At Nagolomon dam, a shared roost was observed. Njoro (2)

Garden Estate (1) A pair was recorded at Gachohi village on This was a sighting of a single individual 13th Dec. 2017. Egerton University has on 23-12-2017 in a run-off water pan at huge wheat fields together with the the Eastern by-pass roundabout to neighbourhood that could attract cranes at Garden Estate. Right opposite the pan is a harvest or planting, and hence needs marsh suitable for cranes. surveying.

Kabete (1) Soysambu Conservancy (5) An individual was spotted feeding in a field This conservancy is separated from Lake next to a wetland in Upper Kabete Nakuru National Park’s eastern boundary Campus of the University of Nairobi on 31- by a public road. Five cranes were 12-2017. The site has a potential for recorded on 15-12-2017 in 2 different nesting. locations; a pair had a chick along the Lake shores. NAKURU COUNTY (150) Subukia (18) Kuresoi (7) Two sightings on 6-12-2017 next to Kirethi Two sightings were recorded at Kenyatta farm (16) and Mihang’o dam (2), both dam (5 cranes) and near Kuresoi town (2 groups were feeding in maize stubble cranes) on 14-12-2017. fields. Local people at Mihang’o dam reported having seen cranes with chicks in Naivasha (88) the dam although (verification needed). Two pairs were recorded along the Kirethi farm has swamps suitable for northern shores of Lake Naivasha on 5- breeding and foraging fields. 12-2017, and a flock of 84 at Morendat farm on 21-12-2017 feeding in recently NANDI COUNTY (45) harvested pasture field. A high degree of A flock of 45 cranes were counted at disturbance emanating from uncontrolled Emgon with reports from the local

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya community of more cranes feeding in the expected to fledge by April 2018. neighbouring farms. The flock was in a Increased patrols by the local Kenya swamp that has high potential as a Wildlife Service and monitoring by the breeding site. Cranes Conservation Volunteers (Kenya) alongside a vibrant scholarship NAROK COUNTY (35) programme are among the reasons for increased breeding records. th Surveyed on 11/12 Dec. 2017 in two areas, Masai Mara National Reserve/Mara NYERI COUNTY (53) Triangle and Narok Township. Naro Moru (4) Masai Mara NR/Mara Triangle (27) Three dams were visited in Naro Moru on Most of the cranes recorded were outside 7-12-2017. These are located in densely the national reserve. Sightings were at populated areas. The 2 pairs recorded Kichwa Tembo (2), Mara Triangle (12), were close to human settlements with Musiara gate (4), Ololoo gate (4) and intensive cultivation. Eden camp (5). Solio Ranch (49) Narok Township (8) Ten (10) pairs and 4 single sightings of the Cranes were recorded at Enkorori 49 cranes counted were within the ranch Technical Training Institute (2), while the rest (a flock of 25) were outside Enjotorasho (2) and near Narok town (2). near Kieni dairies. The team was informed that the cranes recorded outside normally NYANDARUA COUNTY (302) roost in Solio. The ranch provides a

potential and protected breeding habitat Two major areas were surveyed in for the cranes. A driver guide in Solio Nyandarua County, Lake Ol’ Bolossat continue to offer records of breeding as basin and its catchment areas (18 sites) reported in mid January to the last author and Kinangop Plateau (6 sites). of two pairs with chicks.

Kinangop Plateau (16) UASIN GISHU COUNTY (198) Although one crane was recorded at

Magari Farm, large flocks had been Uasin Gishu is known for maize and wheat observed in Sept. (74), October (98) and farming fields as well grasslands and Nov. (52) - showing frequent movement of natural swamps, and has therefore been cranes. Other sites were: Semini’s dam, an important area for cranes. Survey was Nyakio primary school, Tony’s dam, mainly done around Eldoret, one of the community resource centre dam, KK’s few areas where huge flocks were dam, Kingori’s dam, Gachiri’s dam, North recorded. These were at Kamungut (90) Kinangop mission hospital and Mawingu. and Koikoi (92). A group of cranes (40-50)

is usually reported at Eldoret Airport Lake Ol’ Bolossat (286) although only 2 were observed during the This is one of Kenya’s key sites for Grey survey as the team drove past the airport. Crowned Crane. Cranes were also University of Eldoret is a good roosting observed in the catchment areas such as site with records of 80-100 individuals in Gichaka, Githungucu and Kiandege. A 2015-2017. chick fledged in 2017 compared to c.30

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

TRANS-NZOIA (29) of between 3 and 8 birds. These sites Eight were surveyed in this County Kitale included Saiwa Swamp National Park and where cranes were in pairs or small flocks Kingwal swamp.

Observations and Recommendations

As a result of this survey, we would like to make the following observations and recommendations.

1. That the Kenyan Grey Crowned a result of involving the local Crane population could be much community at the front line in this lower than the most recent (2015) battle and providing them with estimate of 10,000 to 12,500 alternative livelihoods. Backup from individuals. A repeat intensive the local Kenya Wildlife Service has survey coming at the end of the also contributed to this success. breeding season (mid March) is 4. There are an unknown number of highly recommended to verify our cranes in captivity across Kenya findings. in private homes, hotels and animal 2. Such an activity would require orphanages, and could be one of good planning and wider support the markets for the wild-caught from the National and County chicks and adults. We therefore Governments, Universities, Civil recommended a ban on captive Society, volunteers and the local custody or rearing of ALL communities at large. Given their endangered species except in involvement with the coordination of special circumstances such as the African Waterfowl Census since authorised care or breeding for early 1990s, the National Museums release. A review or enforcement of of Kenya would be a suitable the Wildlife Conservation and organisation to take lead. Management Act is hence deemed 3. Poaching of cranes (eggs, chicks necessary with the Kenya Wildlife and adults) is evident. This must be Service taking lead. stamped out. The collecting of eggs 5. Should the foregoing be taken into in sites like Lake Ol’ Bolossat and account, rehabilitation and rescue the trapping of adults in Mwea (and centre must be established and Rumuruti) are good starting points. funded to take care of surrendered At Lake Ol’ Bolossat, the combined and/or confiscated cranes for effort to raise awareness and stop release. poaching is already bearing fruit as

Acknowledgements

fees waiver for the Kenyan team into The authors wish to sincerely thank The their parks/reserves where we counted Nature and Biodiversity Conservation cranes. We are thankful to Lufthansa for Union (NABU, BirdLife Germany) for providing air tickets from Germany and financing this survey together with David France to Kenya for the third and fifth Fox who covered costs for his team. authors respectively. We are sincerely Kenya Wildlife Service provided entry indebted to all the conservancies,

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya ranches and landowners who gave us Craig, Christian Lambrechts & Harry access to their properties. The Hanegraaf), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Endangered Wildlife Trust/International (Geoffrey Chege, David Kimiti, Mary Cranes Foundation partnership provided Mwololo & Simon Lerantilei), Mwea Rice guidelines in developing the datasheet. Scheme (Jackson Muriithi), Mugie Wilson Ndiritu and Lawrence Wagura Wildlife Conservancy (Josh Perret, sent in data from Mpala Ranch- Henry Bailey & George Depaloi), Mogwooni and Limuru respectively. We Kapsabet (Justine R.), Ol’ Joro Orok can’t forget the enormous support we got (John Mburu) and Kinangop (Paul from the various sites we surveyed: Mamicha & James Wachira). Our Northlands Management, Solio Ranch sincere apologies for those whose (Amos Njege, Sapidin Lelepeta & Ava names may have been left out. Paton) Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy (Samuel Mutisya, Richard Vigne & Sarah Vigne),

Lolldaiga Hills (Tom Butynski, Yvonne,

Michael Roberts, Paul Benson, Ian

References

BirdLife International. 2016 Balearica Morrison, K. 2015 (ed) International regulorum. The IUCN Red List of Single Species Action Plan for the Threatened Species 2016. Conservation of the Grey Crowned http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016- Crane Balearica regulorum. AEWA 3.RLTS.T22692046A93334893.en Technical Series, 73 pp. BirdLife International (2018) Species Mutunga, J. & Mitau, M. 2017 A habitat factsheet: Balearica regulorum. perspective to conservation of the Grey Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum on 31/01/2018. gibbericeps) in the Agro-ecosystems CITES-UNEP. 2017. Appendices I, II Landscapes of central Kenya. African and III. Bird Club. https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/ap Nasirwa, O., & Bennun, L.A. 2000 Co- p/2017/E-Appendices-2017-04-04.pdf ordinated Waterbird Counts: the Kenyan Hill, M. 1988. Crane Counts in Kenya experience. Ostrich, 71(1-2), 99-101. and Uganda. The Crowned Crane 2 Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. 1986 (August 1988): 12. The Birds of Africa. Vol. II. Academic Gichuki, N.N. 1993 Factors Affecting the Press, London. Reproductive Success of the Grey Wetlands International. 2005 Crowned Crane. Ph.D. Dissertation. Guidelines on the preparation of National University of Cambridge. Cambridge, Single Species Action Plans for U.K. 196 pp. migratory waterbirds. AEWA Technical Meine, C.D. & Archibald, G.W. 1996 Series No. 15. URL: http://www.unep- (eds) The Cranes: Status Survey and aewa.org/sites/default/files/publication/cg Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland, _1new_0_0.pdf Switzerland, and Cambridge, U.K. 294pp.

Wamiti et al. (2018): A 2017 partial Cranes survey in Kenya

Appendix: Datasheet used in the survey