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Summary
GREY CROWNED CRANE.
Balearica regulorum regulorum
Conservation Status: Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland: Endangered. IUCN: EN; Cites Appendix II
Identification: Large 1.0 – 1.1 m, 3 – kg. Forehead and crown black and velvety. Crest of long vane-less feathers. Bear white face patch. Body grey, wings white edged in black and brown
South African Population: 3,000 - 4,000 adults
Key Habitats: Wetlands surrounded by natural grassland.
Main Threats: Habitat loss, poisoning, power-line collisions, burning of wetlands, chicks captured from the wild.
CONSERVATION: Landowner participation in management , responsible use of agri-chemicals