An endangered population of Wattled Cranes ( Grus carunculatus)

Abstract

The Kafue Flats, a river floodplain in southern Zambia, supports the largest known population of Wattled Cranes. In a normal year fewer than 1,000 are present at high flood; but as the water subsides the population increases, and in the latter half of the dry season it numbers some 3,000 birds. Following widespread flooding in 1972, at least 300 pairs nested as the water fell. However, in 1973 there was little flooding and few pairs bred. Many full-grown birds moult their remiges between January and April, and are then flightless. The diet is largely of rhizomes dug from soft mud. Suitable feeding grounds in the dry season are created by a falling water-level. The population is threatened by a hydro-electric scheme that is scheduled to be completed in 1978. The scheme will reduce fluctuations in the water level on the floodplain and, in so doing, reduce the area of suitable habitat.