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Habitat Suitability, Threat Assessment, and Community Perceptions in the Conservation of the Grey Crowned Crane ( Balearica regulorum gibbericeps ) in the River Rwizi Wetland Catchment, Uganda
Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
International Crane Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
International Crane Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
International Crane Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
- 1 Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- 2 Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- 3 Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- 4 Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- 5 Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- 6 International Crane Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
- 7 International Crane Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
- 8 International Crane Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
Open Journal of Ecology·Volume 15 (2025)·Pages 500–514·Published 7 August 2025·DOI10.4236/oje.2025.158028
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Abstract
This study investigates conservation challenges for the Grey Crowned Crane in Uganda’s River Rwizi catchment using an integrated approach. It combines GIS-based habitat suitability modelling, field distribution mapping, and community surveys to assess ecological conditions, primary threats, and local perceptions. The study reveals a significant mismatch between optimal habitat locations and actual crane densities, finding that, while communities value the crane culturally, conflicts arise due to crop damage.
KeywordsCranesHabitat SuitabilityThreatsPerceptionsRiver Rwizi
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