Sandhill Crane Conservation
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A Sandhill Crane on the farmlands of central Canada. Photo by Tom Lynn
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ICF currently has many research projects that allow us to better understand Sandhill Cranes. Our long-term research in central Wisconsin, ongoing since the early 1990s, has yielded results as varied as solutions to crop damage to information on the genetics of breeding crane populations.
These research projects not only can be applied to understanding and protecting crane species and the landscapes they use in North America, but also to inform research and conservation of other crane species around the world. Our work in North America acts as a training ground and laboratory for solving crane-related issues that are applicable worldwide. In turn, our research in North America benefits from the skills and lessons learned from staff and colleagues in Africa and Asia.
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Follow the links below to learn more about ICF's Sandhill Crane research.
Report a banded crane.
Donate your time through volunteering with ICF or make a gift to support Sandhill Crane conservation.
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Long Term Research
ICF started banding Greater Sandhill Cranes in our study area near Briggsville, Wisconsin in the early 1990s. Cranes are long-lived and have a complicated social structure; by banding mated breeding pairs and their chicks, we are able to learn more about the behavior and ecology of these birds. |
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Crop Damage Discussion
The past ten years has marked a dramatic change in the Upper Midwest's population of Sandhill Cranes. In 1981, ICF began monitoring regional crane population trends through the Annual Midwest Crane Count. |
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Hunting Issue
The issue of hunting Greater Sandhill Cranes in Wisconsin has been discussed for many years, resurfacing periodically to heated debate. Many reasons are cited as justifications for a hunting season. |
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Banded Cranes
Many researchers across North America band cranes for study of their migration routes, habitat selection, and other ecologically relevant purposes. Often we rely on the public for information about the location of Whooping and Sandhill Cranes on their breeding, migration, and wintering areas.
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