Florida Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis pratensis)
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Jupiter, Florida


Threats

Loss and degradation of riverine and wetland ecosystems are the most important threats to Sandhill Crane populations. For the migratory populations, this is of greatest concern in staging and wintering areas. Spring staging areas along the Platte River in Nebraska are of special concern because of their importance to the migratory subspecies and the development pressures facing this region. Approximately 80% of all Sandhill Cranes utilize a 75-mile stretch of the Platte River in spring migration. Elsewhere, small breeding populations can face disproportionate mortality on fall staging areas due to over-hunting. Residential and commercial development pressures facing lands occupied by birds belonging to non-migratory subspecies in Mississippi, Florida, and Cuba also pose significant threats.


Conservation Status

One of the few crane species in the world that is still common. Mississippi and Cuban populations endangered. The Florida sandhill crane is a threatened species numbering between 4,000 and 6,000 birds.


Cool Facts

The Sandhill Crane does not breed until it is two to seven years old. It can live up to the age of 20. Mated pairs stay together year round, and migrate south as a group with their offspring.


Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non profit, educational based care facility for injured animals and is dedicated to bringing wildlife and people together to develop community awareness of the value of Florida's natural resources.

The concept of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary began with the incorporation of The Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Center in 1983. This non profit organization was established to care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, while promoting wildlife and habitat conservation, through a variety of community outreach programs. In 1994, The Peter W. Busch Family Foundation, a non profit corporation, joined forces with the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Center to create the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.

Today, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary provides free comprehensive medical and rehabilitative services to injured wild animals under the direction of a staff veterinarian. The ultimate goal is to return the animals to their natural habitats. The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is proud to care for thousands of wild animals each year.