💨 Abstract

South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane, has been downgraded to "vulnerable" in the Regional Red Data Book of Birds. Populations in the Overberg region have declined by 44% since 2011 due to factors like human disturbance, poisoning, and climate change. Previous conservation efforts saw a significant increase in numbers, but recent threats have reversed this progress. Conservationists hope the new status will prompt urgent action to save the species.

Courtesy: Garrin Lambley