The ecological authorities in the Greater Masaka Sub Region are hunting for farmers who supposedly killed 11 grey crested cranes and hurt 8 others.
The event took place in 2 towns of Kikonge and Nabyewanga in Nkoni Sub County in Lwengo District when unidentified farmers owning rice and maize gardens in wetlands poisoned the threatened grey-crowned cranes, eliminating 11 cranes on the area.
A recent study in Lwengo by the International Crane Foundation (ICF) revealed that there are 1,359 grey-crested cranes in the district and with eleven killed the number now lowers to 1,348.
According to Mr Gilbert Tayebwa, the African Crane Conservation Programme Officer at ICF, a cranes’ preservation worldwide body, they looked out by the town wetland groups developed in the district to help preservation of the birds.
Mr Tayebwa said the other afflicted bird types consist of yellow-billed ducks which likewise passed away after apparently consuming rice grains that were laced with toxin. The yellow-billed duck is likewise among the most endangered types.
“We managed to collect 11 cranes that died in a rice farm created in a wetland, though we could not collect the other 8 injured cranes that were seen flying in irregular formats into the deep waters. They seemed also greatly affected by the poison,” he said in an interview on Tuesday
Mr Tayebwa explained that they likewise selected empty agrochemical bottles that were considered more assessment to develop the kind of toxin utilized.
“We managed to decontaminate the scene to avoid further poisoning of the birds as we continue to monitor the wetlands and engage locals to desist from acts of beating, poisoning, and killing of grey crested cranes that use the wetlands as their habitats,” he included.
Commonly called the crested crane, it is a bird of nationwide significance to Uganda, inhabiting a prime position on the nation’s nationwide flag and coat of arms. Despite its peacefulness, charm and appeal, the crested crane is dealing with the hazard of termination.
Southern Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Twaha Kasirye said the birds had actually burst hearts after taking presumed poisoned rice grains.
“We are now hunting for the owners of the farms where the cranes were found dead to help us with investigations,” he said.
He, nevertheless, cautioned members of the general public versus trespassing on wetlands and eliminating both wild birds and animals, stating that they run the risk of being jailed and prosecuted.
