Common cranes undertake one of the most spectacular migrations in Europe, and their welfare at stopovers and wintering grounds is increasingly affected by hunting pressure and habitat loss.
Common cranes face welfare challenges at every stage of their annual migration cycle. Hunting pressure at stopovers and wintering grounds can separate family groups and cause suffering in wounded birds. Lead shot from crane hunting contaminates wetlands and enters the food chain, harming raptors and other wildlife. Habitat degradation at key stopover sites means cranes arrive exhausted and may struggle to find sufficient food before continuing their journey. Climate-driven changes in migration phenology mean cranes may arrive at breeding grounds before food resources are available. Conservation of key wetland habitats and transition to non-toxic ammunition would substantially improve crane welfare across their range.