The wattled crane is the rarest – and largest - crane in Africa, a seasonal visitor to the Ngamo Plains of southern Hwange, near Camelthorn and Bomani lodges. Classed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red Data List, the crane’s distribution is limited by its habitat requirement for open wetlands, seasonal floodplains and moist grasslands. It forages by digging in muddy soils and shallow water for tubers, rhizomes, insects, snails and amphibians, so its movement in our area is opportunistic, entirely dependent on local rainfall. The crane is monogamous, mating for life. One pair has spent several weeks feeding at Ngamo with the recent rains. Confusingly, suddenly there was only one bird for about 10 days, then it was rejoined and made up a pair again. Habitat loss and degradation from human activity is the biggest threat to the crane’s survival. Fun facts:- it is also the tallest crane in Africa, standing 175 cm high and with a wingspan of 2.5 metres. It can live for as long as 30 years. Thanks to Duncan Watson for the videography
