Extremadura in western Spain hosts one of Europe's most important common crane wintering concentrations, where welfare depends on traditional dehesa farming, food availability, and minimal disturbance.
Common crane welfare in Extremadura depends on the continuation of traditional dehesa farming practices that provide abundant food in this key wintering ground. Agricultural intensification that eliminates grain stubble, reduces acorn production, and drains wetlands removes both food and roost sites. Disturbance at roost sites during critical feeding periods forces birds to expend energy on unnecessary flights that reduce winter body condition. Agri-environment payments that incentivise crane-friendly farming practices in Extremadura directly improve welfare for tens of thousands of wintering birds.