Author: Dr. Christie Craig, EWT Conservation Research Analyst
In mid-August 2024, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) embarked on a vital mission to monitor the Blue Crane population in the wheatlands of the Western Cape, with aerial support from Bateleurs pilots, Mark Rule and Andrew Torr. Led by Dr. Christie Craig, a Conservation Research Analyst, this survey aimed to track the numbers of South Africa’s national bird, which is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. A standardised flight survey method, perfected over three decades in KwaZulu-Natal, was used to ensure consistent and comparable data across the Blue Crane's range.
The 15th and 16th Overberg survey tracks in black, and the Swartland 15th and 16th and the last Overberg flight 20th in red.
2024 EWT Blue Crane Survey: Overview
The survey spanned five flight days, with teams covering two distinct regions: the Overberg and Swartland. Flying from Morningstar airfield on the 15th of August, the teams took to the skies in two aircraft—Piper Dakota and Cessna 196. Bats pilot, Andrew Torr piloted the Swartland mission, while Bats pilot Mark Rule led the Overberg team. They were joined by a dedicated team of passengers: Pieter Botha, Christie Craig, Samson Phakathi, Kevin, Connor, and Santiago.
Swartland Survey
Survey conditions in the Swartland were ideal, with clear skies on both days. The team completed the first half of the grid on the 15th, taking a rest stop in Langebaan before continuing. On the 16th, they pushed through to complete all the survey blocks in a single stretch, culminating in a total count of 655 Blue Cranes—surpassing the 2023 count of 500.
A clear day of flying with Bats pilot Andrew Torr in the Swartland
Overberg Survey
In contrast, the Overberg survey faced weather challenges. Low mist on the morning of the 16th delayed the start, forcing the team to wait in Swellendam until 11 AM for the mist to clear. Although they managed to complete most of the survey, one block south of Swellendam remained inaccessible due to cloud cover. On August 20th, the team returned to finish this block and also conducted re-surveys of selected transects to test for consistency in crane numbers.
A happy team after completing the final Overberg flight on the 20th with Mark Rule, pilot.
Conclusion
This year’s Swartland count already reflects a promising increase in Blue Crane numbers, though the Overberg data is still being analyzed. The mission’s success is a testament to the tireless efforts of the survey team, pilots, and partners like Bateleurs, whose support made this critical conservation work possible. These surveys are an essential tool in safeguarding the future of South Africa's Blue Cranes, helping conservationists understand trends and implement protective measures.
Stay tuned for updates as we complete the Overberg count!
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