The Challenges of Whooping Crane Survival

Whooping Crane

Meet the Cranes
Life Histories Reveal Survival Challenges

Why is it so hard for an endangered species to recover? The new Eastern flock provides a chance to see the challenges of survival. Each Whooping Crane has its own personality and life story. Read historical notes from fall 2001 to summer 2016. Study the lives of real Whooping Cranes and see what you can find out about challenges to survival.

Life histories are comprehensive through July 1, 2017.

Life Histories

Snapshot of Survival


Hatch Year 2016	Hatch Year 2015	Hatch Year 2014

Hatch Year 2013	Hatch Year 2012	Hatch Year 2011

Hatch Year 2010	Hatch Year 2009	Hatch Year 2008

Hatch Year 2007	Hatch Year 2006	Hatch Year 2005

Hatch Year 2004	Hatch Year 2003	Hatch Year 2002

Hatch Year 2001
All Photos Courtesy of WCEP or Operation Migration

When Will They Reach the Goal?
The goal is 25 breeding pairs from 125 cranes released into the flyway by 2020. When do you predict they'll make the goal?

KEY QUESTIONS:

How many remain?

How many males and females?

When lost?

Comprehensive
through July 1, 2017

Journal Questions:

What is your favorite story about one of the cranes? Describe.
How many cranes did each year begin with? How many are still alive today?
How are people helping the cranes to survive?
According to the cranes' stories, what seems to be the most dangerous time in a crane's life?
Does survival seem more difficult 1) on the Wisconsin breeding grounds, 2) during fall migration, 3) on the Florida wintering grounds, or 4) during spring migration?
What happened to each of the cranes that did not survive?
Can you find examples of ways scientists were surprised by what they learned?
What have scientists learned about whooping crane survival since the reintroduction project began in 2001? Give specific examples.