At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The wattled crane is the largest crane in Africa, named for the fleshy wattles hanging from its throat. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
It depends closely on large, healthy wetlands.
Range & habitat
Wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, with a stronghold in south-central Africa.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Loss and alteration of wetlands
- Dams and changed water flow
- Disturbance
Why it matters
A wetland specialist and Africa's largest crane, the wattled crane is a flagship for conserving the continent's great floodplains and marshes.
Sources
Sources for Wattled Crane
- IUCN Red List — look up Wattled Crane (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wattled crane's wattles?
They are two feathered, fleshy flaps that hang from the upper throat, giving the bird its name and a distinctive appearance among cranes.
Why is the wattled crane Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite the loss and alteration of wetlands, dams and changed water flow, and disturbance. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: