AFRICAN CRANES,WETLANDS AND COMMUNITIES NEWSLETTER 3 September 2008

ICF / EWT Partnership African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities Private Bag X11, Parkview, 2122, South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 11 486‐1102 Fax: +27 (0) 11 486‐1506 Cell: +27 (0) 82 877 5126 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Crane News Inside this issue:

Pairing up and calling (Page 3-4)

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities Project news (Pages 5-6)

Crane News from Africa (Pages 7-23)

Funders (Page 23)

Grey Crowned Cranes (Kevin McCann)

The Blue Crane Roost Site in the Overberg (Kevin Shaw) (see page 17)

INSIDE THIS NEWSLETTER

Greetings from the editor 3

Pairing up and calling 3

ACWAC Project Information 5 African Crane Trade Project 5 Minimising the impacts of Africa’s electrification plan 6

Crane News from Africa 7 Botswana: Grey Crowned Cranes in Botswana 7 Ethiopia: Crane surveys around Lake Tana 7 Namibia: Rundu workshop on cranes and other wetland birds 9 South Africa: Integrating crane conservation with sustainable habitat utilization 12 South Africa: Annual crane aerial survey in KwaZulu‐Natal 14 South Africa: Large Blue Crane concentrations in the Overberg 15 Sudan: Black Crowned Cranes in Southern Sudan 16 Uganda: Communities in favour of crane conservation vote against eucalyptus growing along wetland edges 18 Uganda: Assessment of Grey Crowned Crane breeding sites in Uganda 19 Zimbabwe: Wattled Crane conservation in Driefontein Grasslands 21

Funders 23

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities 23

Disclaimer 23

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 2

GREETINGS FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the third edition of the African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities newsletter. Active conservation programmes are reported on in this issue from seven countries across Africa, covering each of Africa’s four resident crane species: the Blue (Anthropoides paradiseus), Black Crowned (Balearica pavonina), Grey Crowned (Balearica regulorum) and Wattled Cranes (Bugeranus carunculatus). It is great to see what efforts are being made to better understand and secure the future of cranes in Africa – very often including the local communities, without whom many of our conservation programmes would be lifeless and non‐existent. Depending on the same habitats, cranes and people should be able to co‐exist. In fact, the dependency of many human livelihoods on the same wetlands as those used by cranes should be a pivotal consideration in any conservation programme that we embark on.

Of particular interest in this edition is the new sighting of Grey Crowned Cranes in Sudan, the larger flocks of Grey Crowned Cranes appearing in Botswana and the largest recorded roosting site for Blue Cranes in the Overberg in South Africa. One questions the reasons behind these changes and occurrences, but as we gather and record this information, so a picture can start to emerge and answers can be speculated upon and perhaps even conclusions drawn.

It is encouraging to learn more about the projects involving cranes on the continent. I do hope that through this newsletter, you are able to gain a better understanding of who is doing what and where and to learn more about new ideas and findings – allowing us all to make more informed decisions as we forge ahead in our conservation activities.

PAIRING UP AND CALLING

George Archibald

Co‐Founder and Senior Conservationist International Crane Foundation Email: [email protected]

Many crane pairs remain solidly bonded for many years. There are several authentic reports of a crane remaining for many months at the site of the corpse of its mate. However, perhaps most cranes readily repair if a mate is lost. Recent studies of banded birds reveal that divorces are common, and mating sometimes happens when members of a mated pair meets a stranger while its mate incubates.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 3 The process of pairing in cranes can be either subtle or overt. Two birds meet and simple start to stay together without overt display. But their activities are synchronized. They forage together, fly together, and roost together. They gracefully bond. There is often tension between cranes that are strangers but interested in pairing. When they meet they assume the stiff upright threat posture with feathers sleeked and stiff, and display exaggerated walking. From this posture, they perform a variety of displays that include ritualised preening of the shoulder or thigh, ruffling of wings, flapping, arching, stamping, and crouching. Each species has a unique repertoire of threat displays. From such exaggerated posturings, they sometimes merge into elaborate dances that include object tossing (sticks, grass, sod), bowing, leaping, running with wings extended, and ending close encounters with more threat postures. These displays reduce tensions and help create emotional ties between the performers.

The Unison Call, a duet between cranes, is also involved in pairing. In Crowned Cranes the Unison Call includes a long series of "booming". With neck lowered to shoulder level, the cranes inflate the red gular sac beneath their head, and simultaneous emit a low booming‐like call. Mated pairs stand side by side and boom for extended periods, sometimes for several minutes. Unlike the Unison Calls of other cranes, there does not appear to be a territorial function.

In Blue Cranes and Wattled Cranes, the Unison Call last 2‐4 seconds and the calls and postures of the sexes are different. The display has both a sexual function through developing a pair bond and synchronising the pair, and a territorial defense function as a loud proclamation of the ownership of real estate.

Before starting the Unison Call the two cranes stand upright side by side. Typically the female begins the call and is instantly joined by the male. At the end of the display the males elevates his wings briefly above his back. Blue Cranes Unison Call frequently. But Wattled Cranes seldom perform this display indicating that the Blue Crane depends more on vocal communication for territorial defense, while with its bold white neck, the Wattled Crane perhaps depends more on visual cues.

The Crowned, Blue, and Wattled cranes have another loud call called the Guard Call that can be confused with the Unison Call. The Guard Call is usually associated with a level of fear, and the cranes walk around observing the source of their concern while emitting the call. In Crowned Cranes the Guard Call is a loud two‐syllable, "KA‐WONK" and cannot be confused with the low booming Unison Call. It's easy to confuse the Unison Call of Blue Cranes with Guard Calls. The Guard Call is a single loud call emitted repeatedly sometimes for many minutes while walking. Wattled Crane have a high‐pitched Guard Call that is seldom given and again the cranes sometimes walk while giving it. In all three species, one crane Guard Calling can stimulate another crane, and especially a mate to do the same. Thus the confusion between the Unison Call and the Guard Call. Just remember that these three crane species do not walk while Unison Calling.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 4 ACWAC PROJECT INFORMATION

AFRICAN CRANE TRADE PROJECT

Kerryn Morrison African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities Manager Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

The African Crane Trade Project is now into its second phase. Phase one included preliminary investigations into the in situ capture and supply of cranes from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa; a preliminary assessment of the current captive population under formal zoo associations through stud books; and a preliminary assessment of the CITES database managed by the United Nations Environmental Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP‐WCMC). Phase one ended with a mitigation planning workshop held in Kenya in October 2007 to develop a prioritised mitigation plan to address the threat – based on the findings made during the preliminary investigations.

Progress since has been made in the following areas: • Proposals to uplist the Black and Grey Crowned Crane IUCN Red Data List status were sent to BirdLife for consideration. A proposal was made for Black Crowned Cranes to be uplisted from Near Threatened to Vulnerable primarily due to the fact that they have declined by between 22 and 33% over a 20 year period. Consideration for an uplisting to at least Vulnerable, if not Endangered, was proposed for the Grey Crowned Cranes who have declined by between 41 and 53% over the same 20 year period. • A motion was submitted to the IUCN World Conservation Congress to be held in Barcelona in October 2008. The motion titled “Minimising the trade in wild caught African cranes” included both information on the trade in African cranes and on the inconsistencies in the CITES database. This was proposed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust and formally supported by 6 other international institutions (thank you!). • A full assessment of the CITES database has been made and the draft report is currently out for comment. The final report will be made available to anyone who is interested. Of particular note though are the following few facts: o Between 5% (Black Crowned Crane) and 14% (Blue Crane) of all records in the database have matching import and export data. o 52 – 68% of all Black Crowned Cranes traded were wild caught. o Up to 43% (Black Crowned Cranes) of all data contain no source information (i.e. their origin – whether wild caught or captive is unknown). Blue Cranes, however, are significantly better with only 15% of all records containing no source data. o The number of reported imported vs exported cranes varies considerably, with a discrepancy of up to 25% for Black Crowned Cranes. o The UAE has become the biggest importer of Blue, Black Crowned and Grey Crowned Cranes since 2001, and Austria the biggest importer of Wattled Cranes.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 5 o The biggest exporters of Africa’s cranes since 2001 are: ƒ Blue Cranes : South Africa ƒ Wattled Cranes : DRC ƒ Grey Crowned Cranes : Tanzania ƒ Black Crowned Cranes : Sudan • The picture building awareness and interactive tool is in its final phase of comments. The picture is looking fantastic and will hopefully be a great resource to create awareness and open opportunities for discussion on the trade issue as well as other issues affecting cranes. • Interactions with regional zoo associations to develop and maintain sustainable regional and global captive populations of Africa’s cranes, in particular to date with PAAZAB (African Association of Zoos and Aquaria), AZA (The Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and CZS (Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens) have produced promising results. • A symposium on trade was held at the Pan African Ornithological Conference (PAOC) in Worcester, in South Africa during September 2008. Papers outlining the use of birds for traditional use, food and trade were presented. • Presentations on the African Crane Trade Project were presented at the 2008 PAAZAB Conference in May 2008, the Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute conference in December 2007 and the PAOC in September 2008.

MINIMISING THE IMPACTS OF AFRICA’S ELECTRIFICATION PLAN

Kerryn Morrison African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities Manager Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

In the last edition of the newsletter, Jon Smallie outlined the plans for the electrification of Africa and highlighted the potential impact on Africa’s wildlife. A partnership between the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife and Energy Interaction Group and African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities is currently being developed to proactively address the potential threats whilst taking into consideration the need for the people of Africa to have access to power.

The project will begin with a full review of all electrification plans to better understand the situation and will include a look into the alternative energy projects that are currently underway. This information will be used as a basis for the development of a strategy and project plan to build in‐country capacity, explore alternative energies and to build greater awareness of the situation.

The first workshop in this regard will probably be held in Kenya in the first half of next year. It will include a summary of the various concepts, issues and threats of power lines and the mitigation efforts that are possible. This will be followed by a field visit to better demonstrate the concepts outlined. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please contact me.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 6

CRANE NEWS FROM AFRICA

BOTSWANA

GREY CROWNED CRANES IN BOTSWANA Graham McCulloch

The largest flock of Grey Crowned Cranes ever recorded in Botswana – 17 individuals – were recorded at Nata Sanctuary on 13 March 2008.

Grey Crowned Cranes in Nata Sanctuary (Graham McCulloch)

ETHIOPIA

CRANE SURVEYS AROUND LAKE TANA Shimelis Aynalem Conservationist at Lake Tana, Bahir Dar, Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

The Lake Tana basin has a catchment area of about 15,000,000 ha. Over 60 rivers and streams flow from the Simen Mountains to the north, the large central plateau to the east and the gentler sloping land to the west feed the Lake. The major rivers are Gilgel Abay (small Nile) to the south west, Megech to the north, Gumara and Rib to the east of the Lake.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 7 The area is important for migratory as well as resident wetland and water birds. More than 220 bird species have been registered, of which 32 species are migratory (southern part only). Black Crowned (Balearica pavonina), Wattled (Bugeranus carunculatus), and the migratory Eurasian Cranes (Grus grus) are found in the area.

Field surveys were conducted with Werner Schroeder over short intervals of between two and three hours per day in February 2008. The area around Chimba, Amba Giorgis was found to be an ideal site for both nesting and foraging Black Crowned and Wattled Cranes. More than 400 Black Crowned Cranes, and nine Wattled Cranes with three chicks were counted at this site, most often near the edge of the wetland. We also counted more than twenty immature Black Crowned Cranes here and saw more at the Yganda wetland. We were surprised to find these chicks at the same time and at the same place.

The site is located to the south of Amba Giorgis Church, which has not yet been surveyed by anyone. However, the area to the north of the church was visited by the International Crane Monitoring group during the field survey in 2007. The wetland is comparatively large and covered with Papyrus (Cyprus papyrus). The edge of the wetland is being exploited by the local people, and cattle for grazing. The central part of the wetland though, which is water logged and swampy, is protected because of its inaccessibility. This particular site may be used by both cranes as a breeding site.

The extensive wetland areas of Amba Giorgis follow the River Gilgel Abay and are inundated during the wet season. Nobody appears to try and locate the exact breeding sites of the cranes; which may be in part due to the security of the site in the central part of papyrus bed. The same is true for Yiganda wetland nearest to the Zegie peninsula.

Black Crowned and Eurasian Cranes are found mostly on farm fields while feeding, with the Eurasian Cranes being found mostly to the eastern and north eastern part of flooded areas of Lake Tana. The greatest threats to these species are deterioration and fragmentation of breeding and feeding sites/habitats. Local community encroachment into the wetland areas for cultivation is common, although most people do not scare them. The people exploit the vegetation for various purposes, for example for making of local boats (for fishing), thatch roof, and decorations by crafts men. Most of the shore of the Lake and the wetland following Gilgel Abay River are still undiscovered because of its inaccessibility and hence locating the breeding sites of these species is difficult. Nabega Giorgis to the east of Lake Tana is one of the key sites for both roosting and feeding Eurasian Cranes.

Further data collection on the biology and ecology of these species is still required and is ongoing through the project (Conservation and Environmental Education and Ecotourism at Lake Tana). The project is being implemented by the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society and is funded by NABU‐Crane Conservation Germany. All data are and will be passed to NABU.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 8 NAMIBIA

RUNDU WORKSHOP ON CRANES AND OTHER WETLAND BIRDS Ann and Mike Scott Namibia Crane Working Group Email: [email protected]

A workshop on CRANES AND OTHER WETLAND BIRDS – COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVATION was organiSed by the Namibia Crane Working Group (NCWG) at Rundu on 1 July 2008, in partnership with the NNF Every River Project (ERP) and the Kavango Bird Club (KBC). The 46 participants were drawn mostly from the local community, but also included representatives of the Makena Ecosystem Protection and Environmental Education Club, about 200 km away. This club has the African Skimmer as its emblem.

Participants at the crane and wetland bird workshop at Rundu, 1 July 2008 (Ann Scott)

The workshop was a follow‐up on previous crane and wetland bird conservation initiatives, which started in Kavango in 2004 through the activities of the NCWG. The workshop focused on the following aspects: • Basics on birds and bird conservation • Participants’ ideas about bird conservation issues and experiences • Brainstorming on threats to birds in Kavango, and the development of action plans • The launch of three new sub‐groups of the Kavango Bird Club: Kaisosi Bird Club (which has the African Jacana as its emblem), Kasote Bird Club (Southern Pochard), Nakazaza Bird Club (African Hoopoe). Each participant received a resource pack. The NCWG also presented four copies of the Sasol Bird Guide Book, for use by the various Kavango Bird Clubs; these books will be issued on loan by Dorothy.

The background to the involvement of the Namibia Crane Working Group with the local communities was sketched briefly by Ann Scott. Representatives from Kavango developed their six‐point area based strategy for crane conservation at a workshop in Bushmanland in March 2005 (see Namibia Crane News No. 8, March 2005). In 2007‐2008 the Namibia Crane Working

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 9 Group strengthened its association with the NNF Wetlands Working Group of Namibia, and broadened its scope from cranes to all (inland) wetland birds, as part of an initiative to focus conservation attention on Namibia’s 60 Red Data bird species (Simmons & Brown 2006).

Mike Scott led a discussion on basic comparisons between a bird and a mammal (e.g. buck). Different habitats and ways of feeding were discussed next, using raptors (including owls) and wetland birds as examples, then moving on to Namibia’s three crane species. Namibia’s 60 threatened or near‐threatened bird species came under the spotlight; half of these birds are associated with wetlands including Pel’s Fishing Owl, Wattled Crane, Slaty Egret, Saddle‐billed Stork, African Skimmer, African Fish Eagle (see Wetlands of Namibia booklet, page 21). A short discussion on the usefulness of birds and their economic value followed. Mark Paxton kindly produced a list of 80 “special” birds which tourists come to Kavango to see, and participants set about finding the local names for some of these birds.

Brainstorming on threats to birds in Kavango • Hunting and trapping, e.g. people go to kill birds at the sewage ponds at Kaisosi, including Southern Pochard and other ducks, African Jacana, Guinea Fowl. • Birds are killed by poisons, sometimes on purpose and sometimes by accident; people may also die from these poisons. • Pollution will cause the birds to die, e.g. oil from cars lands in rivers, washing clothes in rivers, litter. • Deforestation destroys the habitat of tree‐nesting birds and bird food. • Burning threatens birds that build nests on the ground; forest fires also destroy eggs and chicks, and even adult birds. • Overgrazing and overstocking is a threat as cattle step on nests on the ground, e.g. Blacksmith Plover. • Lack of education: people do not realize the consequences of their actions. • Traditional beliefs, e.g. owls are bad luck; if one laughs at a Secretary‐bird that pretends it is injured, one will become injured oneself.

Local action plans Kaisosi Bird Club • The MET must give the order to hunt, and control the activity with licences and by setting maximum numbers. • Numbers of birds should be counted each and every season to keep a record of numbers; like hunters, they can see how many new ones are born. • Organizations such as the MET should employ people so that they can earn money at the moment many people depend on killing birds for food. • Communities should stop cutting down trees as it threatens the habitat of tree‐nesting birds. • The advantages of birds should receive publicity: • They attract tourists, and bring in foreign exchange. • We should try to find out where different kinds of birds can be found, to show tourists.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 10 • Kavango Bird Club should work together with other clubs, to promote communication and coordination. • The Kavango Bird Club should also work with the community so that birds are not poisoned at the sewage ponds at Kaisosi. • The MET must educate the community, and set up programmes to teach people how to avoid killing birds.

Kasote Bird Club • Tell people not to cut forests down. • Stop hunting birds; put people in jail if they hunt birds. • Stop washing in rivers, to prevent pollution. • Stop burning which destroys birds’ eggs. • Raise money to start a project to protect birds. • Educate people that birds are important for tourism.

Nakazaza Bird Club • Do not kill birds. • Government should set rules very strongly to people not to shoot birds. • Drive at the speed limit to prevent bumping birds. • Do not put birds in cages. • Stop using pesticides which are toxic to birds. • Attract birds. • Government should educate people to conserve birds. • Look after raptor populations. • Work together through bird clubs. • Create a community pond to attract birds, request help from the government.

Makena Club • Educate communities about the importance of birds; the Namibian government gets income from tourism. • We must differentiate between wild birds and domestic birds. • People should stop illegal shooting and laying traps. • We must protect bird habitats such as wetlands. • Stop cutting down trees, deforestation ruins nests. • Form groups to prevent fires in community forests. • Try to organize a trip to Mahangu Game Park to see Wattled Cranes (and other birds) in the wild. • Do not follow traditional beliefs that want to kill owls.

Thank you! All the workshop participants are thanked for their attendance and inputs. A special word of thanks to Dorothy for her ongoing support and help with organizing the day; also to Steven Maseka, John Mangundu, Lina Mumbala and other members of the Kavango Bird Club; Mark

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 11 Paxton of Shamvura Camp; Isabel for the catering; Philip Steyn of MET; Shirley Bethune of the Wetland Working Group of Namibia; NaDEET for copies of Bush Telegraph; and Namibia Nature Foundation and the GEF Small Grants Programme for financial support.

(Reproduced from Namibia Crane News No. 37, July 2008)

SOUTH AFRICA

INTEGRATING CRANE CONSERVATION WITH SUSTAINABLE HABITAT UTILISATION Hélen Prinsloo Endangered Wildlife Trust’s South African Crane Working Group Email: [email protected]

On 1 July, 2006, a collaborative project between the South African Crane Working Group (EWT‐ SACWG) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) got underway. This project was funded by the Darwin Initiative (DI) and was focused on the continued survival of all three crane species that occur in South Africa and the sustainable utilisation of the habitat inhabited by these birds. The objectives of the project were to develop and train a team of capable crane researchers in South Africa, to involve the custodians of crane habitat and to leave a self‐sustaining legacy responsible for continuing the conservation of cranes and their habitat. This will be achieved through collating a framework of existing data, ongoing collection of new data, training in data collection and analyses, development of spatial population models, education and community awareness, production of a forward strategy, production of Population Viability Analysis (PVA) models and Risk Sensitivity Analysis (RSA’s), and integration of the results into biodiversity planning in the country.

With two years of this project already behind us, the phases of collating existing data, the collection of new data and the training in data collection and analyses have almost been completed. A workshop was held from 29 June to 4 July 2008 to start on the development of spatial population models as well the production of PVA’s and RSA’s. The workshop was held at Field and Stream near Dullstroom in a beautiful setting with rolling grassland hills, waterfalls and a protea forest. Our field workers arrived from all over the country on Sunday night and were welcomed by the admin staff complete with sundowners ready. Our administrative coordinator, Debbie Thiart, and her assistant, Cynthia Chigangaidze, did a wonderful job of organising this workshop. We all received little bottles of champagne and chocolates together with a welcome note to make us feel like guests at our own workshop. Debbie and Cynthia had worked out two full menus for the week, in order to accommodate our vegetarian guests, and also assigned all of us to cooking teams. They bought all the ingredients and even went as far as slicing all the vegetables and cubing the chicken breasts! All we had to do was turn on the oven or stove and add the finishing touches.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 12 On the more serious side, Raj Amin from ZSL also arrived on Sunday night (assisted by Richard Pettifor from ZSL who arrive later in the week). Raj started on Monday morning with a tutorial on using ULM (Unified Linear Modelling) to conduct PVA’s on our own data.

PVA models take into account the age structure of a population (how many first‐year birds, second‐year birds etc.), the survival rate of each age class (e.g. how many first‐year birds survive to year two), the clutch sizes, hatching success, fledging success, sex ratio (how many males vs. females), the proportion of the population that take part in breeding and the total longevity of the population (how old do the birds become on average). The mean of all of these factors are then used to develop a baseline model in which no stochasticity is present – against which various scenarios based on the inclusion of stochasticity, and using different management activities and conservation efforts can be compared. The baseline model though allows one to determine the sensitivities of each of the parameters used in the model – and through this process, identifies those parameters that impact most on the population. In our case, it was clear that the survival rate of the adult birds is the most important factor contributing to the survival of crane populations. A very small change in the survival rate of adults can potentially cause the population to either flourish or crash in the model. We know now that, if we have to prioritise conservation actions, the major area that we need to focus on are the threats to adult birds. These threats include degradation and fragmentation of habitat, deliberate and accidental poisonings, power line collisions and electrocutions, fence collisions and the illegal trade in birds.

Our DI project is progressing very well and using the results from the PVA models will help us to focus our future planning and strategy for EWT‐SACWG. This strategy will be used to guide our research and monitoring actions for the next five years and will hopefully include specific actions regarding cranes, their habitat and the species that they share their habitat with. It was obvious from our PVA results that we need more information on the specific age of birds, the survival rates of adults and the portion of the population that breed. There is only one way to gain this information and that is to able to identify individual birds of a known age that are either breeding or part of a non‐breeding flock. This is where we rely heavily on the help of the public. Every year, a few months after breeding season, we make a big effort to ring as many flightless chicks as possible with individual colour combinations on their legs. These rings allow us to identify the individual birds. Re‐sightings of these birds then gives us the vital information we require. It is impossible for EWT‐SACWG staff to cover the area necessary in order get meaningful information. If anyone sees colour ringed birds, please notify us with the ring combinations and also take care to note the different combinations on the left and right legs. This information will be put into our database and contribute to our knowledge of the species and determination of our future conservation actions.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 13 SOUTH AFRICA

THE ANNUAL CRANE AERIAL SURVEY IN KWAZULU‐NATAL André Rossouw Endangered Wildlife Trust’s KwaZulu‐Natal Biodiversity Programme Email: [email protected]

The annual crane aerial survey In KwaZulu‐Natal (KZN) in collaboration with Ezenvelo KZN Wildlife was completed in July 2008. The survey took place over 5 days covering all the important crane areas within the province. During the survey two Wattled Crane floater flocks were identified. The one flock of 36 was counted in the midlands area and the other flock of 28 was seen in the Cederville area in southern KZN.

A few months ago a flock of 60 Wattled Cranes was seen in the same area as the flock of 36 that was counted during the aerial survey. Seven birds in the flock of 60 were colour ringed giving us valuable information on survival rates and the movements of these birds.

As part of the Johannesburg Zoo’s Wattled Crane Recovery Programme we have managed to collect 1 second egg so far this season. After a delicate and exhausting hatching period of 48 hours assisted by Ralph Correia, I am happy to report that the chick is doing well and is very well look after by the competent staff of the Johannesburg Zoo. There is currently a further 6 nests with a double clutch that is being monitored. Most of these nests have not been collected from in the past which is really great from a genetics point of view.

(Update – all 7 eggs have hatched and the chicks are progressing well at the Johannesburg Zoo)

A flock of Wattled Cranes (Andre Rossouw)

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 14

SOUTH AFRICA

LARGE CONCENTRATION OF BLUE CRANES IN THE OVERBERG Kevin Shaw Western Cape Nature Conservation Board Email: [email protected]

Richard Beilfuss reported a large number of Blue Cranes that were roosting on a pan near the town of Heidelberg in the Western Cape. This roost site was not known to crane conservationists. Bronwyn Botha (the EWT’s South African Crane Working Group fieldworker in the area) and I visited the roost site on the 05/08/2008. Unfortunately no cranes were at the roost site, but travelling around the area we counted just over 800 birds. Considering that we did not venture off the main road and the undulating landscape it is highly likely that we missed a lot of birds. The birds that we encountered were all in fairly big flocks. The smallest flock was about 60 birds while the largest group was about 430 birds. Most of the flocks were foraging around either sheep or Ostrich feed troughs. Originally I was of the opinion that these cranes were a portion of the cranes that regularly roost on the tidal sand banks at the mouth of the Breede River. However, while in the area we met up with the conservator of the local conservancy, and he indicated that the roost at the mouth is still active. Richard estimated that the number of birds roosting at the pan to be between 1800 and 2000 birds. The number of birds roosting on the sand banks of the Breede River is estimated to be in the region of 500 birds. The number of birds in these two roosts would therefore be in the region of between 2300‐2500 birds which is about one sixth of the total Western Cape population of Blue Cranes (estimated to be about 12000 birds). This area is therefore very important for Blue Cranes and we need to establish whether any issues need addressing.

Blue Crane roost site (Richard Beilfuss)

One of the issues that require attention is the powerlines near the pan roost site. Currently there are powerlines on three sides of the pan, of which two are fitted with mitigation devices

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 15 (“pigtails”}. These mitigation devices have been found to be effective only during normal daylight conditions. Blue Cranes usually fly into the roost at dusk and after dark and from the roost before dawn. The mitigation devices that should be fitted therefore need to be able to work under low light conditions. The third powerline which runs along the length of the pan also needs to be mitigated as a search under the length of the powerline produced two carcasses of cranes that flew into the conductor wires. Another interesting aspect of this roost is that the pan edge is within 20 meters of the main road between Heidelberg and Stillbaai, indicating that either there is not much traffic on this road during the roosting period or that the birds are very accommodating. Bronwyn and I intend to visit the area at a time more suitable to observe the cranes at these roosts. For those of you who have access to Google Earth, the coordinates for the two roosts are: Pan – ‐34° 15’ 22.718”S 20° 52’ 26.396’E River Mouth – ‐34° 24’ 09.541”S 20° 49’ 45.949”E

SUDAN

BLACK CROWNED CRANES IN SOUTHERN SUDAN Tim Dodman and Perez Olindo Wetlands International and Southern Sudan’s Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Sudan is one of the most important countries for cranes in Africa, supporting the continent’s largest numbers of Black Crowned Cranes and of the migratory Demoiselle Cranes, whilst several thousand Eurasian Cranes also occur here during the northern winter. The region of Southern Sudan is very different to the northern part of this vast country, and it contains some of the most important wetlands in Africa, notably the extensive Sudd swamps of the River Nile. Unfortunately, Southern Sudan has been subject to intense civil unrest for many years, but in January 2005 it emerged as an autonomous region through the negotiated Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Natural resources of Southern Sudan are now the primary responsibility of the new Government of Southern Sudan’s Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism (MEWCT). This wildlife heritage of course includes cranes.

The principal crane species to occur in Southern Sudan is the eastern population of the Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina ceciliae. This bird is fairly widespread in the floodplains of the Nile and in other parts of the region, though no recent assessments of its status across Southern Sudan have been made.

On a Wetlands International mission in Southern Sudan in February 2008, we found several of these cranes in preliminary aerial reconnaissance flights over parts of the Sudd, including one flock of 65 birds. They seemed to especially favour the somewhat drier floodplains adjacent to the main swamp areas, which they avoided. They were sometimes seen feeding in recently

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 16 burnt areas close to the moist floodplains of the Sudd. It is not possible to comment on the population status of Black Crowned Crane in the Sudd and its environs based on our short flights, but clearly the bird is still present in this area, and given the extent of available habitat in Southern Sudan, there is most likely a sizeable population. The Sudd however is prone to a number of threats, including various forms of development, whilst fires are a common feature of the floodplains, and may pose a threat to crane breeding areas.

The 2 Grey Crowned Cranes at Nimule (Tim Dodman)

One surprise from our visit was the repeated sighting of at least one pair of Grey Crowned Cranes Balearica regulorum in Nimule National Park on the southern border of Southern Sudan with Uganda. As far as we can ascertain, this is the first documented record of this species in Sudan. The birds were seen in flight and feeding along the edge of the River Nile. They were witnessed by participants of a training course in waterbird and wetland conservation and monitoring held for staff of the MEWCT, which included representatives from a number of protected areas. This was certainly a highlight of the course for the participants.

So, Sudan now has four species of cranes to its name! We hope that with current revived conservation efforts, including the strengthening of conservation networks and training, cranes will have a bright future in Southern Sudan.

Acknowledgements We thank our colleagues in the MEWCT, notably Major General Alfred Akwoch and Peter Lero Minasona, our partners in the mission, Oliver Nasirwa and Niels Gilissen, and the Wildlife Conservation Society for enabling the aerial surveys.

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UGANDA

COMMUNITIES IN FAVOUR OF CRANE CONSERVATION VOTE AGAINST EUCALYPTUS GROWING ALONG WETLAND EDGES Jimmy Muheebwa NatureUganda Email: [email protected]

Despite its high growth rate and associated advantages to farmers, eucalyptus growing has overwhelmingly been voted against by communities involved in crane conservation and wetland management plan development, in Masaka District, in south western Uganda. Eucalyptus trees have always been a prominent quick source of firewood, poles for building houses and fencing, and for sale to generate quick household income. As one travels west of Kampala, one of the frequently encountered features in the landscape are farmlands dotted with eucalyptus woodlots. Sizes of the woodlots notwithstanding, farmers make it a point to plant, own and tend a wood lot each. This is because eucalyptus trees are put to various uses at its different growth stages. At 2 years old, the trees are cut for construction and scarf folding and support in the quickly increasing and expanding urban centres all over the country. They can be left to reach 3 – 4 years and used as fuel wood (95% people in Masaka district and indeed elsewhere in Uganda are dependant on firewood for household cooking purposes) or the logs are sold to tea factory owners who use them for smoking tea. When eucalyptus reaches full maturity, it can be felled for timber and electricity transmission poles. Generally, eucalyptus is a highly valued commodity in western Uganda.

However, during one of the consultative meetings aimed at developing a wetland management plan for Kaku/ Kiyanja wetland in the Masaka district (this wetland holds the record of the largest Grey Crowned Crane flocks of up to 450, and the largest concentration of crane nests – up to 6 breeding pairs in a year, in the same wetland), communities voted against growing eucalyptus along the edges of the Kaku/ Kiyanja wetland. The wetland, shared by two sub counties is also the only source of water for domestic and farming use. Yet eucalyptus growing together wetland edge gardening have been on the increase on the peripheries of this wetland and sometimes eating up chunks by extending into it.

It was during one of the meetings, on 16th July 2008, that one concerned farmer, dependant on this wetland for water for domestic use, raised the concern and problem of the practice of growing eucalyptus along the wetland and the nasty consequences it poses to the future of the wetland they depend on. After a protracted discussion, with majority speaking vehemently against eucalyptus growing, they voted against the practice (22 out of the 25 participants in the meeting hall). They argued that eucalyptus leaves do not quickly decompose, give a bad smell to water when they dry and drop in shallow wells, and above all, the trees take up a lot of water from the ground hence contributing to rapid shrinking of the wetland. Moreover, the uplands and hillsides are devoid of vegetation and should be the resorts for eucalyptus growing,

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 18 they argued. The last nail to seal the vote against eucalyptus in and around Kaku/ Kiyanja wetland was hammered in by the wetlands officer, Masaka district, who advised that tree planting be included as an activity in the wetland management plan, with emphasis on tree planting on the hill sides and tops as opposed to wetland edge tree planting. Participants urged NatureUganda, the conveners of the meeting to be emphatic on including their stand on this ill fated practice.

The challenge though is and still stands: how do we deal with the already existing woodlots along the wetland edge?

Grey Crowned Cranes in Uganda (Jimmy Muheebwa)

UGANDA

ASSESSMENT OF GREY CROWNED CRANE BREEDING SITES IN UGANDA William Oluport Wildlife Conservation Society – Uganda Email: [email protected]

Grey Crowned Cranes in Uganda face threats common to cranes in general, i.e. loss of breeding and foraging habitat, destruction of nests, and hunting for various reasons. In Uganda, there have been efforts to study breeding success, obtain population estimates and monitor populations. But these attempts have been largely limited to parts of the country where cranes are commonly seen in large numbers, and to opportunistic sightings along roads. From what we know about these efforts, threats to cranes are on the rise and populations are declining, probably as a result of poor breeding but also perhaps trapping.

In 2004‐2006, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, the New Vision, and NatureUganda teamed up to understand incidence of nesting, threats to breeding birds, and occurrence of non‐breeding flocks throughout the country. Partners also wanted to generate a national awareness of the status of cranes in Uganda (Grey Crowned Cranes are Uganda’s National symbol) and so, effort to obtain information on crane populations was combined with awareness raising by involvement of the public in data collection.

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The survey was officially launched by the Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Jeje Odongo. Questionnaires were published by the New Vision, a leading national daily twice a week and an alert was run on Kampala’s Capital FM radio about the questionnaire for ten weeks at the beginning of the survey. Talk shows about the survey were also aired twice on FM radios ensuring coverage of the entire country. Schoolchildren were encouraged to fill out the questionnaire in return for t‐shirts with a picture of the crowned crane, also for an opportunity to win a free ticket to a match played by Uganda’s National football team; The Cranes. Respondents were asked to specify where they saw crane nests, numbers of cranes they recently saw, and how people interacted with cranes in their areas. Later, we followed up reports with actual visits to the sites and individuals who reported.

We are preparing the detailed findings of this survey for publication. In summary, completed returns yielded 27 nests but we suspected that there were many more breeding sites that were not reported. The returns were enlightening about spatial outlay of breeding sites. Previous knowledge of crane breeding in Uganda was limited to sites in southwestern and southeastern Uganda. This survey showed a wider distribution of both breeding incidences and crane sightings throughout western and parts of central, eastern, and northern Uganda. The main threat to breeding cranes was scattering of nest material. Other threats were trapping, removal of eggs, poisoning of the birds, swamp burning, and trampling of nests by cattle.

Crane egg smashed by cattle in a farm in southwestern Uganda with the farm owner standing by the nest (William Oluport)

To help direct conservation efforts on cranes in Uganda, there are several more things we need to know. Currently, we have no good estimate of crane population size. We also need to get an estimate of how many pairs breed annually countrywide, and what proportion breeds outside protected areas. We need a country‐wide estimate of breeding success, and to further understand causes of nest loss. It would also be useful to obtain an estimate of how many birds are killed or trapped at any given time, and to identify hotspots for those threats. WCS Uganda hopes to work with other partners in the near future to achieve this.

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 20 Objectives: Map suitable habitats for breeding, roosting, or feeding (using nest numbers and flock sizes) Obtain an estimate of numbers of breeding pairs Determine threats (e.g. competition with people) Generate awareness of the status of the national bird Interest the public in crane conservation (with main focus on schoolchildren) Suggest ways forward on potential conservation actions

What we found: This study has helped us to know that crane breeding sites are more widespread than previously known; and that if we are looking for threats to breeding and crane populations in general, our efforts should cover a wider area.

What needs to be done: We have no estimate of how many pairs breed annually countrywide, we have no clear picture of where they breed, the breeding success of those pairs, the relative importance of protected areas (how many flocks and nests in Pas visa vi outside), magnitude of threats (proportion of nests destroyed and numbers of birds hunted or killed).

ZIMBABWE

WATTLED CRANE CONSERVATION IN DRIEFONTEIN GRASSLANDS Togarasei Fakarayi and Chip Chirara BirdLife Zimbabwe Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

BirdLife Zimbabwe has been monitoring Wattled Cranes Bugeranus carunculatus in the Driefontein Grasslands of Zimbabwe since 1999. The Driefontein Grasslands, located in central Zimbabwe, is the key breeding area for Wattled Cranes and is the only remaining contiguous stretch of crane habitat in the country. The area supports more than three quarters of Zimbabwe’s Wattled Crane population. The area is composed of open grasslands and wetlands dotted with a few patches of Miombo woodland that provide a conducive breeding habitat for Wattled Cranes. The Driefontein Grasslands is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area that supports significant populations of both grassland and water birds. The overall goal of the Wattled Crane conservation in Driefontein is to improve the conservation status of the species and their wetland habitat. This will be aided through the development of a comprehensive database on species population, distribution and habitat, and development of capacity of local communities to manage and sustainably utilise the wetlands. The Wattled Crane is thus a flagship species in the conservation of wetlands in the area.

In the year 2000, the government of Zimbabwe embarked on a massive countrywide land reform exercise. There was increased pressure on wetland resources as more people moved into the grasslands. Land use practices in most parts of the area changed and degradation

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 21 associated with high population densities increasingly became a cause for concern. Pressure on resources created conflict between humans and cranes since they utilise the same wetland resources. BirdLife Zimbabwe has been working with local communities to reduce this conflict by promoting alternative livelihood options for these communities. The local communities have been assisted to set up cooperative gardens. The purpose of the initiative was to augment gardening activities in the wetlands and to protect the breeding sites of the birds. Gardening by the communities on the other hand provides a conservation incentive to local people who live in the same area with the cranes. However, the problem still remains in some parts of the area where cooperative gardens have not been set up.

Through annual surveys the numbers and distribution of the Wattled Cranes in the area have been estimated. The most recent ground survey was conducted in July 2008 and 29 Wattled Cranes and two chicks were sighted. Most of the cranes that were sighted were breeding. From this recent survey the major threats to cranes that were noted were uncontrolled cultivation, cattle grazing and fire. From talking to local people it is believed that the population of Wattled Cranes is much higher than those sighted, as the survey teams did not see the floater flocks which had been seen in the area.

A Site Support Group member of Daviot shows produce in a community garden (Togarasei Fakarayi)

To strengthen conservation and management activities in the area, education and awareness components were initiated targeting school children, the local leadership, agricultural extension workers and farmers. As part of the awareness programme, the above stated institutions were informed of linkages between the cranes and wetlands and how loss of wetlands will affect their own livelihood. Community mobilisation for Wattled Crane conservation is an ongoing process. BirdLife Zimbabwe facilitated the formation of two local community conservation groups (Site Support Groups) that spear conservation activities in their areas. Such conservation groups were established at the Shashe and Daviot Communities. The groups have undergone training in wetland management and crane conservation. However, more training is still needed to bridge the existing gaps in knowledge especially on sustainable utilisation of wetlands. Achieving the goals of Wattled Crane conservation in the Driefontein area of Zimbabwe depends upon securing ongoing financial support. Financial challenges remain the major limit to a smooth and continuous monitoring exercise of this globally threatened species. There has

African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities – Newsletter 3 22 been support for the project from local communities and government agencies such as the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and Environmental Management Agency.

FUNDERS

Thank you to the following funders who support the work of the African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities Programme:

• Dohmen Family Foundation • Orient Express Safaris • Johannesburg Zoo • SeaWorld & Busch Gardens • Lufthansa Conservation Fund • North Carolina Zoo • Whitley Fund for Nature • North of England Zoological Society / Chester Zoo Keeper for a Day Fund

AFRICAN CRANES, WETLANDS AND COMMUNITIES

More about African Cranes, Wetlands and Communities can be found at www.savingcranes.org or www.ewt.org.za

DISCLAIMER

This newsletter was compiled and edited by Kerryn Morrison of the International Crane Foundation (ICF) / Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Partnership. The features in this newsletter represent various projects and individuals involved with cranes and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ICF, EWT or the editors of this newsletter.

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