5/29/2016 2 Comments Managing Whooping CranesThe whooping crane has had it tough in the past. With so many problems surrounding it, it’s no wonder the bird species needs all the help it can get to recover. But with all the involved stakeholders in the issue contributing, there might just be hope for these amazing animals. Through the efforts of the Canadian and American governments, non-government and conservation organizations, and individuals the crane is making a comeback. The most effective strategies for management of the crane are as follows; habitat conservation and restoration, species protection, captive breeding programs, and reintroduction programs. The government of Canada helped in a sort of indirect way when Wood Buffalo National Park was created. The land was reserved in an attempt to protect the buffalo species that roamed in the area, but was extremely beneficial for all the wildlife species that were present in the area, especially the whooping crane. The national park just happens to contain the last breeding grounds for the crane. This essential wetland habitat is now protected from degradation and development giving the crane a safe place to mate and raise their young. In addition to protecting the habitat of the crane both federal and provincial governments have designated it a protected species under various acts, such as the species at risk act. Several non-governmental organizations and conservation groups have stepped up to the plate when it comes to saving the whooping crane. Organizations like the Calgary Zoo, Operation Migration, Journey North, International Cranes Foundation, and many others are putting forth constructive efforts for the crane populations. Campaigns that raise awareness and gain support for the whooping crane is essential for habitat protection. The more people know how they impact the environment and how they can improve, the better the cranes habitat will be protected. Not only are these organizations getting people involved in preservation, but also restoration. Breeding programs and reintroduction programs have had significant results in restoring the crane population. Of course this method does involve some difficulties that needed to be worked on. For example, a bird raised in captivity will not be able to survive when reintroduced into the wild, simply because it is tame and lacks the basic survival skills it would have learned from a parent. An innovative solution to this problem was to raise the birds with as little human contact as possible, and the use of puppets that resemble a mature crane to teach the young ones. However this solution wasn’t quite able to teach the birds everything. The birds raised in captivity never learned to migrate, and when reintroduced into the wild, stayed where they were put all year round. Other programs have now stepped in and are using a creative method to get the cranes to migrate. Planes are used to lead the birds on their natural migration patterns. With all these efforts, crane populations are beginning to recover, and currently two flocks exist in the world (one being in the wood buffalo national park and the other was introduced by humans in Florida). Now you may be asking, ‘what can I do to help the whooping crane?’. Of course the simplest answer to this would be to help preserve their habitat by adjusting things in your everyday life. You can make small changes like; using less water, recycling, refraining from putting chemicals and other pollutants into the water systems, and generally reducing the amount of waste you produce. In doing this you can help keep the wetland ecosystem contaminant free and healthy. Other ways you can help is by raising awareness. Educate friends and family on the issue, the more people know, the better the chance the cranes have. If you want to have a more direct influence there are many ways to do so. Support NGOs and conservation organizations by donating and/or volunteering. Any organization trying to improve the environment will benefit the birds. Every little effort helps the whooping cranes. Image Sources: Whooping Cranes following an Ultralight Aircraft. Whooping Crane, Britanica. Britanica. Web. 29 May 2016. Researcher with Whooping Cranes. Whooping Crane, Britanica. Sloat, Mike. WhoopOpener.
2 Comments
anon
3/10/2017 12:09:01 pm
WHOOP WHOOP SHOOP SKADOOP
Reply
Neel
3/10/2017 12:15:45 pm
COOL CRANES
Reply
Leave a Reply. |