Securing the Grey Crowned Crane Population in Rwanda
The population of Grey crowned cranes in Rwanda has been estimated at as few as 200 in the wild, but there may be as many, if not more, in captivity. The Rwanda Development Board, in collaboration with Akagera National Park and veterinarian, Olivier Nsengimana who is managing the project, are working together to rehabilitate the captive population and return them to the wild.
Grey crowned cranes are statuesque birds and, believed to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity, are being captured from the wild, since they do not readily breed in captivity, and sold as ornaments for private gardens or hotels, having their wings clipped, or even broken, so that they cannot fly away.
Early in 2014, RDB issued an amnesty whereby people and businesses in Rwanda could surrender their captive Grey crowned cranes and avoid prosecution for illegally possessing endangered wildlife. Through the amnesty, in Kigali city alone, almost 150 cranes have been registered and 130 are already tagged with identifications bands on their legs. 42 have been moved to a quarantine facility in Kigali, from where it is expected 38 will be moved to a purpose made facility near the park headquarters in Akagera National Park in early 2014, before eventual release. Any cranes found without identification tags after the amnesty period will be considered newly poached and the owners liable for prosecution which could see them fined for between 500,000 – 5 million Rwandan francs.
In May 2014, 4 cranes were brought from Umubano Hotel in Kigali straight to Akagera as a pilot project. They were quarantined in the park and released into the fenced park headquarters. Among the 4 were a pair and their 5-month old chick. The chick, whose wings had not been clipped, has since flown the nest and was most recently seen at the old pecharie, although occasionally returns to headquarters. Sadly, the fourth crane broke its leg and had to be put down. The adult pair, neither of which can fly yet, appeared to have settled in well and are now rearing a clutch of three new chicks, hatched on Christmas day.
Within the relative safety of the fence park headquarters, we are hopeful that all three chicks will survive and eventually fly, as the pairs’ first chick now has. The parents are exceptional, very protective and attentive. If you know of any crowned cranes in private gardens or hotels in Rwanda, please contact the relevant authorities below:
Dr Olivier Nsengimana – [email protected]
Dr Tony Mudakikwa (RDB) – [email protected]