Recently published research shows that sustained and targeted efforts in conservation can reverse adverse trends – no doubt aided by nature’s astonishing power to regenerate itself, given half a chance.
Cranes are a subject close to the heart of Friends of Verloren Valei and people who live in or visit the area. The reserve was once a noted crane conservation pioneer with the renowned project to rear crane chicks using a human surrogate mother. Read more about this project.
With KwaZulu-Natal now the focus of crane conservation, the publication of a paper assessing the effectiveness of the conservation efforts is welcome – doubly so because the news is good. Based on data collected in standardised surveys conducted between 2003 and 2019, a “steady and significant increase in the population size of all three crane species” is evident. Interventions have included measures to prevent collision with power lines and formal engagement with landowners.
