The from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicated a record estimate of 557 whooping cranes wintering on and around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for the 2024-2025 season. The survey noted that the population included at least 41 tawny-colored juvenile cranes, new recruits from the breeding grounds 2,500 miles north in and around Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada.
鈥淭he 2024-2025 wintering grounds survey marks the first time that the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of whooping cranes has been estimated to exceed 550 individuals, a remarkable achievement for a species that once numbered only 21 individuals鈥� said Matthew Butler, Service biologist and lead author of the report. 鈥淎ll whooping cranes today are descended from only 14 adults remaining on the Texas coast in 1941. Whooping crane numbers have steadily increased thanks to strong legal protections and collaborative partnerships between conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities.鈥�
With the long term population growth rate continuing to hold steady at 4.33 percent, the expanding whooping crane population is increasingly utilizing habitat outside the designated survey area on the Texas coast. Service staff, conservation partners, and community scientists have reported an additional 68 sightings beyond the refuge, another record. These may be additional uncounted birds, or recounted birds moving in and out of the designated survey area. Their presence in new areas means that America鈥檚 tallest bird is expanding its winter range.
鈥�These survey results are incredibly encouraging as they demonstrate the whooping crane continues to steadily recover from the brink of extinction鈥� said Kevin McAbee, the Service鈥檚 Whooping Crane Recovery Coordinator. 鈥�The expanding range and steady population growth reflect the hard work and dedication of every partner working to conserve whooping cranes. Together, we are making a real difference for this iconic North American bird and preserving it for future generations.鈥�
Although the survey is centered around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, conservation of this long-lived species requires a vast contingent of partners throughout North America's Central Flyway - from the Texas coast, through the Great Plains of the United States, to the Canadian Prairies, and the northern boreal forest. This survey was conducted by Service staff, following the , with funding assistance from the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. The Service remains committed to ensuring the long-term survival of this species, working alongside dedicated partners to make steady progress towards the goals outlined in the .
The report can be . More information about the survey and whooping cranes can also be found on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge website.
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