Abstract The physical and chemical parameters of habitats are known to influence the populations of both migratory and resident bird species. Nevertheless, research on the impacts of water quality parameters on avian diversity and abundance within the Lake Tana biosphere reserve remains limited. The present study investigated spatial and temporal relationships of water physicochemical parameters at different sites based on anthropogenic disturbance, namely, urban, cultivar, grazing, and island sites with bird diversity, abundance, and distribution, using the point count method. A total of 209 bird species from 60 families and 21 orders, including 47 migrants, nine threatened species, and five endemic species, were recorded. Our findings show that avifaunal diversity and abundance are lower in disturbed urban and cultivated habitats that exhibit elevated levels of suspended solids (SS) and turbidity, along with the lowest recorded levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH, indicating that the Lake Tana biosphere reserve is in poor health. Species richness and abundance exhibited a positive correlation with both pH levels and DO. The findings showed that anthropogenic factors adversely affected the physicochemical parameters at the selected sampling sites to a varying degree. Across sampling sites, the mean spatial and seasonal pH measurements remained within the acceptable range, tending towards alkalinity, which is conducive to the majority of aquatic biota. The study highlights the necessity for effective management strategies focused on enhancing water quality and reducing the effects of anthropogenic disturbances to secure the long-term sustainability of the Lake Tana ecosystem and its avian biodiversity. Moreover, the presence of threatened, endemic, and migratory species, such as Necrosyrtes monachus, Gyps africanus, Aquila rapax, Clanga clanga, Balearica pavonina, Oxyura maccoa, Bostrychia carunculata, and Agapornis taranta emphasizes the importance of avifaunal conservation in Lake Tana and its surrounding habitats.

Abstract Sustainable harvest of wildlife is a major food security and conservation issue. In Africa, where wildlife is harvested mainly for subsistence, this remains a challenge. In this study, using waterbirds as model for natural resources, we assessed the sustainability of harvest through fishing bycatch on Lake Fitri (Chad). We estimated the abundance of 24 target taxa through aerial distance sampling over four consecutive years (2018–2021) and in parallel estimated the number of birds harvested through interviews of a sample of 105 out of approximately 5500 fishermen. By modelling their potential excess growth, we found a high risk of overexploitation for four species, including the world‐threatened Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina, likely due to an influx of fishermen to Lake Fitri fleeing the Boko Haram security crisis. Synthesis and applications: This work is likely the first quantitative approach of bird harvest sustainability in Africa. It should contribute to fill a methodological and an information gap in the strategic planification of several multilateral environmental agreements like the African‐Eurasian Waterbird Agreement and the Ramsar Convention. In particular, this work could help implementing adaptive management of natural resources (including birds) in Ramsar site management plans. African wetlands such as Lake Fitri may not be able to provide enough natural resources in the medium term for movements of displaced civilians forced by armed conflict into such biodiversity strongholds.

Uncovering extensive populations of the ‘threatened’ Black Crowned Cranes in Gambella, Ethiopia

Land use land cover change and public perceptions differently affect black crowned crane (Balearica pavonina) conservation: Evidences from Jimma zone southwestern Ethiopia

The objective of the present study was assessing the species composition, relative abundance and species diversity of avifauna found in wetlands of Semin Mecha District. The diversity, relative abundance and distribution of the avian species were investigated from January 2019 to August 2019 both wet and dry seasons. Both point count and line transect methods were employed to identify birds from the three wetlands. A total of 39 species, 28 genera 14 families and 8 orders were identified. The order Charadriiformes dominated the list (4 families with 14 species) followed by Pelecaniformes (2 families with 9 species), Gruiformes (2 families with 4 species), suliformes 2 families with 3 species), psseriformes (1 family with 6 species), the rest Accipitriformes, phoenicopteriformes and podicipediformes(1 family with 1 species) each. Out of total 39 species, one species (Black billed gull) was endangered, two species (wattled crane and Black crowned crane were vulnerable, one specie (Rouget's rail) was near threatened, and thirty five bird species recorded were under the Least Concern category. Species abundance and diversity varied between the three habitats. Weinner Simpson index showed significant diversity of birds in Koga reservoir had higher species diversity (H’=5.9) followed by kurt Bahir dembar(H’=4.15) and lower species diversity Kurt Bahir (H’=2.53).The study shows that habitat destruction due to anthropogenic activities:- over-grazing, sedimentation, poor management of catchment, recession farming, over-utilization of resources, lack of awareness , Lack of sense of ownership, giving less attention to conservation were the main threats to the survival of wetland birds in the study area. The current management of wetlands is poor because of misuse of wetlands as the result birds are endangered. Thus urgent conservation measures are recommended to conserve the bird species.

Anatomy of the axial and pelvic limb bones of the West African Black-crowned crane (Balearica pavonina pavonina)

The present work was undertaken to study the gross morphological features of the sternum, pectoral girdle and wing bones of adult black-crowned crane. The bones were processed using standard techniques to highlight structural details. The sternum was triangular shaped, comprised of three borders and two surfaces. The dorsal border was slightly shallow medially having linearly arranged pneumatic foramina. The basal border was strongly convex and bears a prominent sternal crest. The cranial border was broad and transversely convex with shallow grooves on the lateral edges for articulation with the coracoid bones. There were seven pairs of ribs that articulated with corresponding sterno-costal bones. The shoulder girdle comprised of the blade-like scapula, coracoid, and the clavicles which fused proximally to form the foramen triosseum. The humerus was pneumatic tubular bone with flat expanded proximal ends and small rounded distal ends. The ulna and radius were of comparatively equal length, separated along their long axis by extended interosseous space. The carpus consisted of the ulnar carpal bone and radial carpal bone. Whereas, the carpo-metacarpal comprised of three primary bones that articulated distally with corresponding rays of digits.

Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia, and it is the origin of the Blue Nile River (Abay). It harbors winter birds and globally threatened bird species. The wetlands in the area are nesting places of Wattled and Black Crowned Cranes. The wetlands are being converted into different land uses; however, how much area of these wetlands is being converted into different land uses is not known yet. This study therefore investigated the land-use change of the main nesting place of cranes in Chimba and Yiganda wetlands, in the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve area. The land-use cover change was estimated by analyzing satellite images (Landsat images-ETM + from USGS website) from 1986 to 2016. The result showed that in 1986, the Chimba wetland area covered a total of 15,134,974.6 m2, which is 7.4% of the total area of Chimba watershed (203,312,456.3 m2). Other land use land cover types in the study area namely cultivated land covered 31.9%; farm village 2.1%, natural forest 41.3% and grass land 17.3%. However, the land-use land cover change (LULC) in 2016 showed that the wetland coverage declined to 10,708,894 m2. About 27.6% of the wetland is converted completely into cultivated land. Yiganda watershed covered about 28,075,506 m2 in 1986 of which 5,351,641.7 m2 was wetland area; however, the wetland area has shrunk to 4,668,162.9 m2. When it is compared to the wetland change in 1986 to 2016, Chimba wetland was more affected in which 663.5 ha was changed into another land-use land cover; whereas in Yiganda it was about 137.2 ha changed during the last 30 years. When the exponential trend change of LULC is observed, it could affect crane ecology by reducing the habitat availability for cranes nesting spaces.

Birds select breeding habitats based on biotic and abiotic environmental factors, resulting in a non-random spatial distribution of nests. This study investigated the onset of nesting, nest location, the relationship between nest height and water depth, nest materials, and the structure and characteristics of Black Crowned Crane nests in the Lake Tana region, Ethiopia. A total of 52 nests were recorded in four wetlands from 2014 to 2015. Nesting activity predominantly took place from September to October. There was a significant difference in the distance from nests to the edge of the wetland (χ2 = 24.843, n = 46, df = 3, p < 0.001). However, in all study areas the distance between nests, which indicates the degree of territoriality, did not show any significant difference (χ2 = 6.016, n = 34, df = 3, p = 0.111). In addition, nests were constructed in the wetland where the water depth ranged from 80 to 220 cm. Nest height (H 2i) and water depth (WD i) at nesting sites were highly correlated, and the regression equation (H 2i = 13.77 + 1.03WD i) indicated that when the water depth increases, the nest height also increases. The shallowest depth where a nest was constructed was 80 cm. Vegetation type varied, but cranes used Leersia hexandra, Oryza longistaminata, and Cyprus rotundus plants as their selected nesting material. The average vegetation height observed at nests with eggs, measured one metre away from the nest rim, ranged from 20 to 90 cm (44.83 ± 2.397), n = 48. The vegetation height at each study site showed no significant difference (F (3) = 2.527, p = 0.07). The mean nest length, width, and height from the surface of the water between nests were not significantly different. Nesting density was variable depending on the size of the wetland, water depth, and vegetation type and cover.

The aim of the study was to investigate the abundance, density and cluster size of Black Crowned Cranes. Seventy four and 56 transects were examined in 14,764 ha of land in 2015 (wet season) and 2016 (dry season), respectively. Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling model was employed. The encounter rate, detection probability, expected cluster size and density were parameters for estimation. Hazard rate key (σ=0.3), detection function g(x)=1-exp[-(x/σ) ^(-β)], x≤w was selected for analysis. Cluster analysis based on exact sizes was computed by regression of log(s(i)) on g(x(i)). The minimum Akaike Information Criterion was chosen during estimator selection. The result showed that the cluster size of cranes during the wet season in wetland and farmland habitats regression estimate were Cwi=0.73+0.16*xi; and Cfi=0.52+-0.21*xi, respectively. Similarly, in 2016, the regression estimate of wetland and farmland were Cwi=0.16+0.56*xi and Cfi=0.20+-0.34*xi, respectively. During the wet season in 2015, in the wetland habitat, the crane density was estimated 0.21768±0.82 per hectare, and the total population (N) was estimated to be 1472±554.62. Whereas in the farmland, crane density was estimated 0.79921 E-01±0.13370E-01 per hectare, and the total population (N) was estimated to be 639. The total density and abundance of Black Crowned Cranes during the wet season in 2015 was estimated. The wet season pooled density estimate was 14.304 cranes per 100 hectares with (% CV = 26.75, df = 50.2, 95%CI= 0.84355E-01=CI = 0.24254) and the population size was estimated to be 2112 cranes with (% CV = 26.75, df = 50.2, 95%CI = 1245=CI = 3581). During the dry season, in 2016, the crane density was estimated 0.3625±0.6958E-01 per hectare, and the total population (N) was estimated to be 2452±470.65. In the farmland, the cranes density was estimated 0.13904±0.14809E-01 per hectare, and the total population (N) was estimated to be 1112±118.44. The dry season pooled density estimate was 24.142 cranes per 100 hectares with (%CV=13.62, df = 164.02, 95%CI = 0.18473=CI= 0.31550) and the population was estimated to be 3564 cranes with (%CV=13.62, df = 164.02, 95%CI = 2727=CI = 4658). In conclusion, the cluster size of cranes in wetland and farmland habitat during the dry season showed that the species consisted of a small number of cranes per family. However, the wetland habitat was more suitable than the farmland in consisting of larger cluster size and overall population of cranes. Wetland degradation is a threat for cranes.

This paper reviews the effects of habitat loss and human influence on the survival of Black-crowned cranes in Africa. Black-crowned crane is distributed through Sahel and Sudan Savannah regions of Africa, ranging from the Senegal basin and Guinea-Bissau drainage in West Africa to the western Ethiopian Highlands and south-west Rift Valley in East Africa. Habitat loss, transformation and degradation, and illegal capture and trade for pet industry, are the major threats of the species. Because of habitat loss, the population of Black-crowned cranes is declining across its home range and it is even disappearing in some countries in West Africa. It is predicted that the population decline will continue in the future due to habitat loss and trapping of cranes for domestication. The species is classified as Lower Risk from 1988 to 2000, Near Threatened from 2004 to 2008, and then Vulnerable from 2010 onwards. The rapid conversion of wetlands and intensive land use and different economic development with poor environmental protection threat the survival of Black-crowned cranes. In order to overcome the threats of Black-crowned cranes ( Balearica pavonina ), habitat conservation and community awareness are essential, not optional.

Assessment of black crowned crane and wattled crane population and spatiotemporal distribution in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Conservation of the West African Black-Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina pavonina (Linn 1758) in the Sudano-Sahelian Wetlands of Northern Nigeria

The abundance of migratory birds on Lampedusa (Sicilian Channel, Italy) has been documented since the fifteenth century, but during the nineteenth century, this small island was particularly noted for the regular presence of cranes. Official reports documented the occurrence of these birds from as far back as the eighteenth century, recording the period of their presence on Lampedusa (every year between May and August), their regular nesting, and even the crop plants they fed on, a habit often resulting in a major damage for to the island’s subsistence farming. In spite of all this documentary information, scholars did not, however, succeeded in assigning them to a well-defined species and while several authors described them as Common cranes, &lt;em&gt;Grus&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;grus&lt;/em&gt;, others identified them as Demoiselle Cranes, &lt;em&gt;Anthropoides virgo&lt;/em&gt;, or even as Black crowned Cranes, &lt;em&gt;Balearica&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;pavonina&lt;/em&gt;. The paper is an attempt to investigate this taxonomic and zoogeographic puzzle, while inclining towards an identification of the crane in question in the morphological and ecological characters of the Demoiselle Cranes.

This guideline has been developed to provide directions for people working and interested to work on the conservation of Black Crowned cranes to save the species from loss and extinction. The conservation guideline is developed in consultations with the local communities and stakeholders in Ethiopia, Jimma zone, Chora Boter district through: field survey, focused group discussions, community and multi-stakeholders workshop from March 2015 to January 2016. Local communities and stakeholders participations are crucial in any conservation plan. This guideline present overviews of Black Crowned cranes conservation and its importance’s, the role of people and social medias in conservation, the importance of pre-defined conservation strategies, and lastly, how to secure fund for Black Crowned crane conservation. Key words: Black crowned cranes, conservation, Ethiopia, guideline, local communities.

The black crowned crane is one of the six crane species found in Africa with population declining and considered as vulnerable species. Understanding the knowledge, attitude and practices of local people is important in conservation of black crowned crane. A survey study was conducted in Jimma zone, Chora Boter district in southwestern Ethiopia between February to November 2015 with the aim to investigate knowledge, attitude and practices of the community on the conservation of black crowned cranes. Data was collected through field observation, questionnaire survey (n=105) and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, p-value and tabulation were employed to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed and interpreted thematically. The result of the study revealed that the number of black crowned cranes in the area varies with seasons. Maximum of 273 black crowned cranes were counted in the dry season and less number in the wet season. Most of the respondents, 73% perceived that the population of black crowned crane around Chalalaka wetlands is increasing. The majority of the respondents, 93.3% confirmed that the black crowned crane is not a crop pest and only few, 6.7% claimed that they damage crops mainly maize. The results showed that community knowledge, attitudes and perception on Black Crowned crane conservation were significantly difference. The study also revealed that there is less human- crane conflict but the local community is exploiting the Chalaleki wetland, which will threaten the black crowned cranes. Therefore, to overcome the problem capacity building and awareness creations should be conducted within short period of time. Moreover, action researches should be designed to promote participatory conservation of black crowned cranes and wetland. Key words: Black crowned crane, Chora Boter, population, vulnerable, wetland

The aim of this study was to assess the causes of Boye wetland degradation and to identify the bird species composition of the wetland. To achieve the stated objective, group discussion with the local communities was carried out on the causes of wetland degradation and prioritizations were done. In addition, soil samples were collected from wetland and converted lands (agriculture, grazing and Eucalyptus plantation land). Identification and recording of avian species composition was conducted by direct observations using binoculars and standard manual for bird identification. The results of discussion revealed that agriculture land expansion, over grazing, waste disposal in the wetland from Jimma town and Eucalyptus plantation were the major causes for Boye wetland degradation. Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between wetland and converted lands for pH and EC with the highest mean value on converted land. However, a significant difference (P<0.01) was observed for OC (%) and TN (%) with the highest mean value at wetland. Furthermore, 36 bird species were identified; among these, two are endemic and three near endemic species. Balearica pavonina and Balearica regulorum vulnerable species and Macronyx flavicollis was near threatened species were also found in the wetland. To protect these birds and the biodiversity of Boye wetland, restoration and protection programs should be established to avoid further degradation. Key words: Boye wetlands, land use change, bird diversity, conservation.

The inland delta of the Niger, a vast floodplain, is the only refuge of Black Crowned Cranes in Mali. This study, centred on the regions of Mopti, Tenenkou and Youwarou, aimed to: (1) census the number of cranes in the delta and in captivity in the towns of Mopti and Bamako; (2) examine exploitation at different levels (local and national) to estimate the number of birds captured and traded, and the sums of money involved; and (3) to set up a plan for the conservation of the species. From April to August 2001 a survey was conducted amongst the hunters, buyers, sellers and those holding cranes in the towns of Mopti and Bamako. In these towns 55 people, most of whom had kept and raised cranes for more than 15 years, had 129 Black Crowned Cranes in captivity. Dealing in cranes is an activity restricted to men (farmers, aviculturalists, fishermen and traders). Over the period 1998–2000, 165 birds were bought and sold, while 70 had been exported to other countries. The average purchase price from a hunter was E24. In the delta the selling price was on average 36 278FCFA (francs of the African Financial Community) (E55), whereas in the towns the price was 104 778FCFA (E159) over the same time period. All trophies from the hunt were also sold. Clearly, the survival of this species is threatened both by habitat destruction and by hunting. Under captive conditions the birds do not breed and continued captures could lead to the extinction of cranes in Mali. A plan for the protection of the species has been drawn up and financial support is now being sought. Le Delta Intérieur du Niger (DIN), vaste plaine d'inondation est le seul sanctuaire des Grues couronnées au Mali. C'est dans cette zone de refuge, que l'étude sur ≪le statut de la Grue couronnée et surexploitation au Mali≫ a été menée, principalement dans les cercles de Mopti, Tenenkou et Youwarou. Le District de Bamako (capitale du Mali), considérée comme la plaque tournante de toutes les transactions commerciales (achat, vente, et exportation) a été aussi enquêtée. L'étude avait les objectifs suivants: Inventorier les effectifs de Grue couronnée dans le DIN et en captivité dans les villes de Mopti et Bamako en vue de déterminer son statut de protection; Etudier la filière d'exploitation à différentes échelles (local et national) en vue d'une estimation des effectifs capturés, achetés et vendus et des revenus monétaires obtenus; Proposer un plan d'action et sa mise en œuvre en faveur de la Grue couronnée. Pendant la période d'Avril–Août 2001, une enquête a été menée dans les cercles ci-dessus cités auprès des chasseurs, acheteurs et vendeurs. La même enquête a été menée dans les villes de Mopti et Bamako auprès des éleveurs à domicile et des commerçants. Dans les villes de Mopti et Bamako, 55 éleveurs détiennent en captivité 129 Grues couronnées et se sont les hommes qui élèvent ses oiseaux dans leur basse-cour. La plupart d'entre eux ont plus d'une quinzaine d'années dans cet élevage. La commercialisation de la Grue couronnée est une activité pratiquée seulement par les hommes (agriculteurs, éleveurs, pêcheurs, commerçants). 165 individus vivants ont faits de transactions commerciales (achat/vente) pendant la période 1998-2000 et 70 individus ont été enregistrés à l'exploitation vers les pays Africains, Arabes et Européens. Le prix moyen à l'achat est E24/individu entre les mains des chasseurs. Les prix moyens à la vente sont respectivement de 36278FCFA (E55)/individu, sur le DIN (période 1998–2000), Mopti, Tenenkou et Youwarou contre 104 778FCFA (E159) en villes, communes II, III et IV, pour la même période. Toutes les trophées de l'oiseau sont aussi vendues. Il est apparu les contraintes suivantes à la survie de cette espèce: la disparition et la dégradation de son habitat et la chasse. Dans les conditions actuelles de captivité l'oiseau ne se reproduit pas et la conséquence pourrait être son extinction au Mali. Wetlands International, la DRCN/Mopti et d'autres ONGs ont élaborés un plan d'action en faveur de la protection de l'espèce dont la mise en œuvre est présentement l'objet de recherche des financements.

Of the six species of cranes occurring in Africa, the Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) is Near-threatened, the Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus) and Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) are Vulnerable, the Grey Crowned Crane (B. regulorum) is rapidly declining, and the Atlas Mountain population of Demoiselle Crane (A. virgo) may be Extinct. Over the past decade, intensive coordinated surveys have resulted in significant revisions to the population estimates for Africa's cranes. The total population of Wattled Crane, previously estimated at 13 000–15 000 birds, now numbers less than 8 000 individuals and the species is in decline in as many as nine of 11 countries in its range. The B. p. pavonina population is highly fragmented and has been reduced to approximately 15 000 birds, whilst it is likely that the B. p. ceciliae population is also in decline. The East African population of Grey Crowned Crane (B. r. gibbericeps) has been reduced to 43 000–55 000 birds, an almost 50% decline in the past 20 years. The estimated population of Blue Cranes (>25 580) reflects a slight increase over previous estimates but is substantially lower than historical levels. Crane numbers are seriously affected by degradation and disturbance of breeding grounds and capture for domestication and trade.

Beilfuss, R.D., Meine, C.D., & Archibald, F.W. 2000. The World Crane Action Plan: implications for conservation of cranes and wetlands in Africa. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 227. The IUCN Species Survival Commission recently published The Cranes: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Prepared over the past three years by the IUCN Crane Specialist Group, the document reviews the status of the world's cranes (Family: Gruidae) and their habitats, summarises recent crane conservation actions, and specifies priority measures for the future. Eleven of the 15 crane species are now proposed for inclusion on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, and several subspecies and populations are critically endangered. Africa supports six species of cranes in 39 countries. The Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina, national bird of Nigeria, is resident in western and central Africa. The Grey Crowned Crane B. regulorum, national bird of Uganda, spans eastern and southern Africa. The Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculahrs, largest and. rarest of Africa's cranes, ranges from Ethiopia to South Africa. The Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, national bird of South Africa, is endemic to South Africa and Namibia. The Demoiselle Crane A. Virgo and Eurasian Crane Grus grus are winter visitors. Cranes have been the focus of intensive captive propagation and reintroduction programs as well as extensive habitat protection efforts. They are also excellent umbrella species for ecosystem-level conservation efforts. Wetlands that provide a home for cranes include the floodplains of the great river systems of Africa, such as Kafue Flats and Zambezi Delta of the Zambezi River system, the Okavango River Delta, the Sudd of the Upper Nile River, the Bangweulu Basin and swamps of the Zaire River system, the Senegal River Delta, and the Inner Niger River Delta, and the wetlands of Lake Chad. Small, isolated wetlands provide vital breeding habitat. This presentation will provide an overview of the action plan for those interested in cranes in particular, as well as those working in ecosystems and regions where cranes occur.