Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2018

AUTHORS. Anne Lacy, International Crane Foundation; Davin Lopez, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Hillary Thompson, International Crane Foundation

ABSTRACT. A critical component of delisting the endangered Whooping Crane is successful establishment of other populations, independent from the natural flock migrating through the central US. Beginning in 2001, the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership initiated the reintroduction of Whooping Cranes into the wetlands of Central Wisconsin. Utilizing various unique rearing and release methods, the Partnership is monitoring this still-young population intensively. Data gathered have revealed much about the difficulties and successes involved in restoration of such an iconic species. This talk will summarize the abundance of lessons learned from this endeavor over 16 years, and detail efforts to identify and solve problems faced while trying to create a sustainable migratory Eastern Population.