In the period between the 1970's and 2000 the South African Wattled Crane population experienced a catastrophic decline to under 200 birds. Since then there has been a steady increase to 311 birds (2014 Crane survey).
(To read the full Crane Survey Report, click here)
The population recovery is largely due to increased focus on the issue by conservation groups (EWT, KZN Crane Foundation, and Ezemvelo) and the increased awareness of the problem by farmers, who have joined in conservation efforts.