Powerlines Threaten Grey Crowned Cranes As Conservationists Warn of Decline

What the report says

Conservationists in Uganda are warning that expanding electricity infrastructure is increasing risks to Grey Crowned Cranes, the country’s national bird, through collisions with powerlines and electrocution. Nile Post reported that the concern is especially urgent because Uganda remains the species’ main stronghold, with a 2023 nationwide census putting the population at 13,803 birds.

The article said the decline is being felt most sharply where power projects overlap with crane habitats. In Lwengo District, conservationists documented more than 21 crane deaths linked to powerlines over a one-year period, illustrating the danger in areas where birds move between feeding, breeding and resting sites. The International Crane Foundation has said crane numbers have fallen across Africa over recent decades, and that power infrastructure is now one of several pressures on the species.

Gilbert Tayebwa of the International Crane Foundation called for deliberate steps to reduce crane mortality around power infrastructure. He said conservationists want mechanisms that can identify high-risk areas and support interventions such as bird-diversion devices. Caroline Aguti, at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said measures are being considered as Uganda builds new lines and expands existing networks.

Beyond powerlines, the report noted that wetlands are being lost to agriculture and settlement, while poisoning, capture and trade also threaten the birds. The proposed National Powering Biodiversity Technical Working Group would aim to balance electricity expansion with wildlife protection.