Nest-site selection and breeding ecology of the Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) in the Afroalpine ecosystem of Bale Mountains National Park, Southeast Ethiopia

Résumé

The Wattled Crane ( Bugeranus carunculatus ), the largest and rarest crane species in Africa, is globally classified as Vulnerable and persists in small, fragmented populations, including one in Ethiopia. Despite its conservation significance, little was known about its breeding ecology in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to address these urgent knowledge gaps by providing the first comprehensive investigation into the breeding ecology of the species including nest-site selection, clutch size, egg morphometry, and breeding success in the Afroalpine ecosystem of Bale Mountains National Park. Fieldwork was conducted over three consecutive breeding seasons (2015–2017), involving intensive ground surveys to locate and characterize nests, and detailed measurements and habitat features documented following established protocols. A total of nine nests were recorded, with six located on isolated islands in the Sanetti Plateau and three in wetlands at Sodota. Nests were constructed at elevations between 3,502 and 4,034 m, primarily with dominant grasses such as Koeleria capensis and Luzula abyssinica. Clutch initiation occurred between August and October, with clutch sizes ranging from one to two eggs (mean 1.78 ± 0.15). Egg length averaged 93.11 mm, width 65.07 mm, and weight 250.69 g. Hatching success was relatively low, with only six of the 10 eggs successfully hatching, with nest failures largely attributed to abandonment and predation by Thick-billed Ravens (Corvus crassirostris). However, fledging success was remarkably high, with all hatched chicks six surviving to independence, aided by strong parental defense and camouflage strategies. The study highlights the Wattled Crane’s reliance on undisturbed wetlands with islands, abundant food, and minimal human disturbance has contributed to its remarkable fledging success. Therefore, strengthening collaboration with existing conservation programs, habitat restoration (including artificial islands), and continuous ecological monitoring are recommended to ensure the long-term survival of this threatened species in the Afroalpine habitat of the park.

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