Pakistan, July 16 -- South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, is now at greater risk of extinction after being moved from "near threatened" to "vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Once a symbol of conservation success, the elegant bird is now in serious decline, especially in the Overberg region, where its population has dropped by 44% between 2011 and 2025, according to Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR).

Blue cranes rely heavily on open farmlands to breed and feed, but rapid changes in farming practices are putting pressure on their survival. Increased crop intensity, fencing, and land turnover make it harder for the birds to safely raise chicks. Farmer Mick D'Alton says the updated Red List status has raised concern and forced ...