Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus)
The Wattled crane is a large and distinctive crane, made unmistakeable by the drooping wattles on either side of its chin. Wattled cranes have a white head and neck, grey crown and back, a black belly and tail, white wattles and heavily carunculated red facial skin. This is the largest of the three crane species occurring in South Africa.
There are approximately 75 pairs of breeding birds in South Africa, with a non-breeding ‘floater' population of around 90 birds. The birds require wetlands in which to breed and large areas of surrounding grassland in which to forage. These requirements are met in the KZN midlands and Mpumalanga highlands, which both support resident breeding populations of cranes. The most reliable site for Wattled Crane is in the Karkloof area of KZN. The birds breed year-round, but breeding is concentrated in the winter months (May – Sept), and because the parents return frequently to the nest this is the best time for guaranteed sightings.
The Wattled crane has been listed as Critically Endangered.
Directions
The turnoff to the Wattled crane site is off the Howick – Karkloof road, onto D584 (29°14'08.86"S, 30°19'08.03"E). Drive along the road for a short distance and park on the side of the road. Scan the wetlands on the left hand side for the cranes. Drive slowly along the road, and as long as you can see wetland on the left, keep scanning.
| GPS Coordinates | ||
| Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turn-off onto D584 | 29°14'08.86"S | 30°19'08.03"E |