Illegal trade (Domestic and International) As above in 2a Significance: High for the East African sub-species, Medium for the Southern African Flooding and drought Grey Crowned Cranes are dependent on wetlands for breeding. Making their nests within permanently wet areas of the wetland, usually in the wet season, chicks and nests are afforded some protection from predators. However, this behaviour renders them susceptible to flooding, which either results in the loss of suitable breeding habitat or the flooding of nests which drown eggs or small chicks. The impact of flooding is exacerbated in some areas by river regulation and changes in runoff due to catchment degradation, which result in rapid and less predictable flood peaks. At the other extreme, drought will result in unsuitable nesting habitat as access to the nest site is made easier. Changes in these hydrological states occur as a result of changes in the climate, human infrastructure (such as dams or roads), catchment degradation and the general lack of awareness that developments have on ecosystem services, and in this case, hydrology. Significance: Medium for East and Southern African sub-species Diseases As above in 2a Significance: Unknown for East African sub-species, Low for Southern African Natural predation Cranes have always been predated on to some degree. However, as the extent of natural habitat declines, predator pressures are likely to increase as they eke out an existence in areas that have sufficient prey items, which often also results in the diversification of prey. Significance: Low for Southern and East African sub-species Trampling by livestock High densities of livestock will encourage the use of all habitats irrespective of their suitability. This will result in their use of the wetter parts of the landscape and can result in the trampling of chicks. This is however, a low threat to Grey Crowned Cranes. Significance: Low for Southern and East African sub-species Egg collection Grey Crowned Crane eggs are sometimes collected for human consumption, particularly by fishermen who travel long distances, remaining away from home for extended periods of time. Although illegal, the lack of enforcement of environmental legislation perpetuates this behaviour. Significance: Low for East and Southern Africa sub-species Predation by dogs As in 2a above Significance: Low for East and Southern African sub-species Fire As below in 2c Significance: Low for East and Southern African sub-species
Illegal trade (Domestic and International) As above in 2a Significance: High for the East African sub-species, Medium for the Southern African Flooding and drought Grey Crowned Cranes are dependent on wetlands for breeding. Making their nests within permanently wet areas of the wetland, usually in the wet season, chicks and nests are afforded some protection from predators. However, this behaviour renders them susceptible to flooding, which either results in the loss of suitable breeding habitat or the flooding of nests which drown eggs or small chicks. The impact of flooding is exacerbated in some areas by river regulation and changes in runoff due to catchment degradation, which result in rapid and less predictable flood peaks. At the other extreme, drought will result in unsuitable nesting habitat as access to the nest site is made easier. Changes in these hydrological states occur as a result of changes in the climate, human infrastructure (such as dams or roads), catchment degradation and the general lack of awareness that developments have on ecosystem services, and in this case, hydrology. Significance: Medium for East and Southern African sub-species Diseases As above in 2a Significance: Unknown for East African sub-species, Low for Southern African Natural predation Cranes have always been predated on to some degree. However, as the extent of natural habitat declines, predator pressures are likely to increase as they eke out an existence in areas that have sufficient prey items, which often also results in the diversification of prey. Significance: Low for Southern and East African sub-species Trampling by livestock High densities of livestock will encourage the use of all habitats irrespective of their suitability. This will result in their use of the wetter parts of the landscape and can result in the trampling of chicks. This is however, a low threat to Grey Crowned Cranes. Significance: Low for Southern and East African sub-species Egg collection Grey Crowned Crane eggs are sometimes collected for human consumption, particularly by fishermen who travel long distances, remaining away from home for extended periods of time. Although illegal, the lack of enforcement of environmental legislation perpetuates this behaviour. Significance: Low for East and Southern Africa sub-species Predation by dogs As in 2a above Significance: Low for East and Southern African sub-species Fire As below in 2c Significance: Low for East and Southern African sub-species
mop6_25_draft_issap_ggc.docx