TITLE:
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
AUTHORS:
John Bosco Nkurunungi, Jeninah Atwebembeire, Upton Nuwagira, Rogers Tinkasimire, Nickson Araka, Wamiti Wanyoike, Patrick Engoru, Adalbert Aine-Omucunguzi
KEYWORDS:
Cranes, Habitat Suitability, Threats, Perceptions, River Rwizi
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.15 No.8,
August
22,
2025
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.