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With just one day remaining before South Africa’s National Crane Census gets underway, conservationists are urging the public to help protect the country’s iconic cranes by reporting any sightings.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), in partnership with the International Crane Foundation (ICF), will run the nationwide citizen science project from July 24 to July 27.

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At its centre of reporting will be WhatsApp, where members of the public are encouraged to submit their sightings.

The census marks the return of the National Crane Census after a 20-year hiatus, with organisers hoping thousands of South Africans will help build a clearer picture of the country’s crane populations.

“The National Crane Census demonstrated the power of public participation in conservation,” said Dr Lara Fuller, Drakensberg Project Manager for the African Crane Conservation Programme.

“It is vital that we verify whether observed increases and declines in crane populations are accurate.”

Why the census matters

The project forms part of a 30-year conservation partnership between the EWT, ICF, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation and Eskom.

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Conservationists rely on sightings submitted by landowners, birders, hikers, photographers and members of the public to monitor the numbers and distribution of South Africa’s three crane species.

Because information on crane distribution remains limited in many parts of the country, every sighting helps researchers understand where the birds are thriving and where they need greater protection.

Three species under the spotlight

The census will focus on South Africa’s three crane species, each facing different conservation challenges.

The Wattled Crane, South Africa’s largest crane species, was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered in 2025 following conservation successes.

However, its population remains critically low, with only about 288 birds estimated to remain, most of them in KZN.

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The Grey Crowned Crane, listed as Endangered, has an estimated South African population of around 7 000 birds.

While numbers in KZN have remained relatively stable, researchers say little is known about populations elsewhere in the country.

The Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird, was recently uplisted to Vulnerable after its population declined by 39% since 2010.

Researchers are monitoring changes in the species’ distribution as landscapes continue to evolve.

Fuller said every sighting, no matter how small, can make a difference.

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Every observation, no matter how ordinary it may seem, could contribute valuable information that helps shape future conservation strategies.

How to take part

Anyone who spots cranes is encouraged to WhatsApp:

• the crane species,
• the number of birds seen, and
• the location of the sighting

This information will need to be messaged to 060 086 9053.

All information, including participants’ contact details, will remain confidential, with the findings to be shared once the census data has been analysed.