Blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) Wattled crane (Grus carunculatus) Grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) Crane species in Namibia

Distribution and abundance - overall Smallest range of all the world’s cranes - endemic to southern Africa with most of its range falling in South Africa Total population of approx 20,000 Three separate sub-populations with no movement between them Utilises grasslands and pans, croplands, pastures Feeds on seeds and flowers from grasses, frogs, reptiles, fish, insects Egg-laying between August and April, mainly September – January Often forages alongside Grey crowned and Wattled cranes Threats include poisoning, collisions with power lines, habitat loss to urbanisation, afforestation and crop farming Blue crane

Regional distribution – Blue crane

In Namibia: No evidence of movement to/from Etosha population Only found in dry and wet grasslands and pans in Etosha NP and grasslands immediately north, mainly in the wetter areas of this region and associated with perennial springs and isolated waterholes A survey in the late 80’s estimated not more than 80 birds; a follow-up survey in 96 estimated a maximum of 60 birds suggesting a possible 25% decline in 6-8 years Distributed in pairs or trios but groups of up to 30 birds sometimes occur Single most important site where birds assemble to roost is Andoni water hole Egg-laying between December and March, peak in February, 1 – 3 eggs. Blue crane

Distribution of Blue crane in relation to protected areas and conservancies

Distribution of Blue crane in relation to human population

Distribution of Blue crane in relation to livestock

Blue crane – potential for range expansion? Livestock density Population density Vegetation

Blue crane distribution in Etosha vs vegetation

Salvadora2 adults Chudop2 adults Aroe2 adults Twee Palms4 adults, 1 yearling Batia2 adults Naumses2 adults Fischer’s Pan2 adults M’Bari2 adults Etosha (causeway)2 adults, 3 yearlings Gemsbokvlakte2 adults Kapupuhedi2 adults Ondongab2 adults, 1 yearling Andoni13 adults, 1 yearling Ekuma River/Oponono10 adults = 49 adults, 11 yearlings Survey results – Etosha National Park, December 1994

No of birds recorded in Wetland counts: Blue crane Fischer’s Pan Jan 923 Apr 946 Feb 9610 Jan 971 Apr 977 Jul 974 Jan 992 Mar 992 Apr 006 Jul 011 Okondeka / West Etosha springs Jan 934 Apr 931 Mar 003 Oshituntu Jan 963 Lake Oponono Jul 9110 Aug 9112* Apr 986 * Aug 91: Includes Oshituntu

Number of nest record cards: Blue crane (33 records, between 1970 and 2000)

Red Data status – Critically Endangered in Namibia – population declining Threats Declining in Etosha. Why? low rainfall expanding human populations in northern Namibia encroachment of local people with cattle into grasslands north of Etosha snares, collisions with power lines borehole drilling in the north may reduce permanence of Etosha’s springs genetic inbreeding Actions 5-yearly total population assessments Maintain water levels at critical waterholes (e.g. Andoni and Twee Palms) Investigate genetic status Colour-ringing study to determine survival, movements and habitat use Blue crane

This presentation was compiled using information and data from:  The Atlas of Southern African Birds (Ed. Harrison et al, 1997)  Avifaunal Database of Namibia, held at the Directorate of Environmental Affairs, MET  Atlas of Namibia – A Portrait of the Land and its People (Mendelsohn et al, 2002)  An environmental profile and atlas of Caprivi (Mendelsohn et al, 1997)  Draft text from the Red Data Book on birds of Namibia (Simmons, in prep)