Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane is the rarest species of crane (there are less than 500 alive today!), but it is also a symbol of conservation success in North America. The species almost became extinct nearly 100 years ago, but today Whooping Cranes are increasing in numbers and are returning to areas where they once lived in the United States. As we will learn, Whooping Cranes became endangered because of human activities – over hunting, egg collecting and wetland destruction all contributed to their decline –but people are also the hope for the species’ future. Click on the links below to learn a few fun facts about Whooping Cranes and the history of their conservation in the eastern United States.
Fun fact: The Whooping Crane is named after the species’ loud, bugling call. Learn more...
Between the mid 1800s and mid 1900s, the Whooping Crane population fell from an estimated 1,500 individuals to just 21 birds in two small populations. During this time the species also disappeared from the eastern United States. What caused this to happen? Read more...