The International Crane Foundation (ICF), located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, studies cranes and provides educates about their history, cultural significance, and ecology. The Wisconsin headquarters leads projects in captive management, captive breeding, reintroduction, community-based conservation programs, and habitat monitoring techniques, and offers worldwide veterinary services.
The crane family encompasses 15 species of birds. Some species are endangered or threatened, having small population sizes, but many species are stable and flocks are starting to increase in size. The approach by ICF scientists to ensure stability is through conservation of entire ecosystems used by cranes throughout their breeding, migration, and wintering habitats, including the plants, all other wildlife, and the people who share those areas. Ecosystem services are studied and improved upon wherever possible including access to clean water, flood control, and ecotourism.
The methods used for conserving cranes and their habitat vary among the species and is dependent on the type of terrain, their ability to track crane populations, and how to include the human populations. Engagement of local policymakers and communities is an important first step in conservation of agricultural land shared with cranes during breeding, wintering, and migration. Long-term monitoring of crane populations as they move through their annual cycles can identify where and when resources are needed, allocated, and controlled. Another important step is providing education for local people to understand how to get the most out of their environment while taking pride supporting conservation efforts.
Student educational resources are an important service offered by the ICF, including classes and writings on endangered species management & conservation, crane biology, how cranes use their habitat, how crane habitat is used by local people, and the cultural significances placed by various peoples through the representation of cranes in music, literature, and religion. Buddhist and Hindu cultures and religion hold cranes as traditionally sacred animals, often highlighting Black-necked cranes. The ten symbols of longevity recognized among peoples of East Asia includes cranes, known as messengers to and from heaven.
In the next two blogs, we examine all fifteen species found across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa. Three species are endangered, while eight more are vulnerable, and we will examine the steps being taken and the education necessary to handle the threats.
While the ICF closes to visitors for the winter on October 31st, it is definitely worth a visit next year. To see more information, visit their website by clicking on their name: International Crane Foundation.
Further information can be found in our other blogs by clicking on the name…