Concerns over the grey-crested crane species’ rapid decline have led to calls for traditional healers in Uganda’s Lwengo District to stop offering the birds as spiritual sacrifices.
According to Mary Namulema, an environmental officer for Lwengo, a recent survey has shown that traditional healers are using rare birds in their claims that they contain a substance that can “save marriages.”
“Many of the traditional healers we have interacted with have confirmed that they kill these treasured birds for ritual sacrifice, which is very bad,” she said.
Ms. Namulema added that the healers convince their clients that the bird’s eggs and their chicks can help married couples live in peace just like the cranes live in pairs.
She added that these birds are killed during the breeding seasons of November, December and January.
With concerns about the species being extinct, Namulema urged the healers to cease using the birds.
International Cranes Foundation director Gilbert Tumushabe echoed Namulema’s sentiments, adding that they are sensitizing healers within the region on the importance of preserving the birds.
“We are now using the few [traditional healers] that have been sensitized to work as ambassadors to sensitize others about the effects of killing the crested cranes, we hope cases of killing cranes for ritual sacrifice will soon reduce,” he said.
The bird is considered sacred in Uganda, more reason to why it is the official symbol of Uganda and can be seen flying high on their national flag and coat of arms.
They are known for their vocalizations and can be heard up to three miles away!
The global population of grey-crested cranes, according to surveys, is estimated to be between 58,000 and 77,000.