Increased conservation vital for future of 'vulnerable' Blue Crane

THE uplisting of Blue Cranes from near threatened to vulnerable demonstrates that this species is dependent on ongoing conservation efforts, says conservation group the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).

- STAFF REPORTER

The newly published Regional Red Data Book 2025 officially uplisted the national bird, meaning that the iconic Blue Crane faces a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium term.

"This reflects growing concern about the species' future. Although the Karoo boasts the highest number of Blue Cranes in South Africa, the species' decline is of particular concern in the Overberg region of the Western Cape where Blue Cranes occur at higher densities than anywhere else in the country. Data from the long-running citizen science project, Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR), shows that the Overberg has seen an alarming 44% decline in Blue Crane numbers between 2011 and 2025.