Habitat loss, fragmentation and illegal capture threaten the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane. Rwanda’s only crane species, this graceful, long-legged bird depends on the Rugezi Marsh for foraging, nesting and breeding, with one-quarter of its Rwandan population found here. Located within the hills of northern Rwanda, this high-altitude tropical peatland is essential to their survival.

Previously, the Grey Crowned Crane’s population dropped to only one non-breeding visitor at Rugezi Marsh. With protection efforts enabling the crane population to rise again, 221 individuals were most recently recorded. But the cranes are still at risk of localized extinction from the effects of erosion, cutting of marsh grass, and mining on the nearby hills that causes excessive soil and sediment in run-off and pollution.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, Rwanda Wildlife Conservation, will work with the Rwandan government towards the goal of creating a new 14,857-acre National Park to protect the entire Rugezi Marsh. This landscape will be the first national park in Rwanda that is exclusively a wetland.

Give Grey Crowned Cranes and Other Birds a Chance to Rebound

While Grey Crowned Cranes are not categorized as migratory birds, they move locally and seasonally, depending on the abundance and distribution of food, nest-sites and rainfall. In addition to the loss of habitat, they are significantly threatened by the illegal removal of the birds and their eggs for food, traditional use, domestication, and international trade for pets, captive facilities and informal zoos. Their population has declined more than 50% in the last 19 years and, without protection, is expected to continue decreasing.

The Rugezi Marsh is also an Important Bird Area for endemic species such as the Vulnerable Grauer’s Swamp warbler—60% of its global population lives in this Marsh. The Endangered Martial Eagle and Vulnerable Papyrus Yellow Warbler also find refuge in this wetland.

Community Commitment to This Ecosystem

Our partner has worked in this region for over eight years to end the illegal trade of the Endangered Grey Crowned Cranes and protect and restore their habitat. They will conduct ongoing biodiversity surveys to monitor the health of the marsh and species. Stakeholder consultations and a full process of engagement with local communities will inform the process.