Conservation-related knowledge, interactions, and attitudes of local people toward Grey Crowned-Cranes (Balearica regulorum) in Tanzania

The endangered Grey Crowned-Crane (Balearica regulorum) occurs extensively in agricultural areas and grasslands outside of protected areas in Tanzania, posing high potential for conflict with people. This study sought to determine the extent of crop depredation by cranes, extent of illegal crane trade, and attitudes towards and interactions of local people with Grey Crowned Cranes. We interviewed 570 respondents (44% female) from 42 rural communities across four districts in Tanzania. Most of the respondents were farmers (n = 288), followed by livestock keepers (n = 169), businesspersons (n = 75), government employees (n = 24), and others (n = 14). Overall, 91% of the respondents indicated that Grey Crowned-Cranes were not a pest to crops but, for those reporting damage, farmers with mixed or other types of crops (maize, beans, bananas, tomatoes) reported the highest frequency of damage. The respondents had positive interactions with cranes, with 96% responding that they caused no harm to the cranes and 4% saying they used trapping and chasing of cranes to control crop damage. There was evidence of crane trade, with 6% of the respondents reporting having seen illegal collection of cranes or taking crane eggs or chicks. The reported illegal collection of cranes occurred mainly in the Mbeya Region for use in traditional medicine. Overall, respondents had positive attitudes towards Grey Crowned-Cranes, and we recommend that crane conservation education programs be developed and delivered to rural communities to enhance Grey Crowned-Crane conservation in Tanzania.