After a gap of nearly two decades, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), in partnership with the International Crane Foundation, is bringing back South Africa’s national crane census from 24 to 27 July 2026.

The initiative comes at a critical time for the Overberg region. Recent EWT data shows that Blue Crane numbers in the Overberg declined by 44% between 2011 and 2025, resulting in South Africa’s national bird being uplisted to ‘Vulnerable’ on the Red Data List.

The Overstrand is home to these iconic birds, and every sighting counts. Whether you are a birder, farmer or resident, your observations will help monitor Blue Crane populations and support the conservation of wetlands and grasslands on which they depend.

How to participate
Dates: 24-27 July 2026
Record: The number of cranes and the location.
Submit: WhatsApp your sightings to 060 086 9053