The Mississippi sandhill crane might be an endangered species, but it has been making strides in its quest for survival.
That’s thanks to efforts to preserve its habitat, a captive breeding program and other measures. The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, with 19,000 acres of wet pine savanna located in Jackson County, and neighboring refuges, are where most of the action takes place.
There are roughly 200 cranes on the Coast, according to Jeremy Edwardson, project leader for the Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, the Grand Bay, and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuges.
“They’re known for their loud, bugling calls and elaborate dancing displays, which they use to strengthen pair bonds,” he said. “Each crane has a distinct personality — some are bold and curious, others, more cautious.”
Most cranes begin breeding at 4 to 5 years old, Edwardson said. They can live more than 20 years, given the right conditions.
In 1975, when the refuge was established through the Endangered Species Act, there were fewer than 40 cranes. Fast-forward 50 years, and the future of the Mississippi sandhill crane is looking a little brighter.
Mississippi sandhill cranes are a non-migratory subspecies found only in coastal Mississippi, according to Edwardson. They eat a variety of seeds, insects, frogs and other opportunistic foods.
In early December, 13 cranes were released into the wild after they were given time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Until their release, the young cranes were cared for at two partnering facilities.
“The recent release at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a key long-term recovery goal and helps strengthen genetic diversity and boost survival rates,” Edwardson said.
The cranes became endangered because of loss of habitat from development, agriculture, and fire suppression, Edwardson said.
Mississippi sandhill cranes are a non-migratory subspecies found only in coastal Mississippi, according to Edwardson. They eat a variety of seeds, insects, frogs, and other opportunistic foods.
“They are slightly smaller, have darker gray plumage and depend on wet pine savanna habitat, unlike other sandhill cranes that migrate across North America,” he said.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the cranes are unique in that they require separate nesting, foraging, and roosting habitats.
Those habitats can be found at the refuge, which is rich in native grasses, orchids, and carnivorous plants,
The cranes’ habitat is maintained by periodic prescribed fire, control of invasive species and other management best practices. In addition, protecting the cranes also preserves the unique wet pine savanna ecosystem and its biodiversity, Edwardson said.
Visitors to the refuge can get a glimpse of some of the unique flora and fauna at the refuge, with two nature trails open to the public: the C.L. Dees trail, which is 0.7 miles, and the Fontainebleau trail, which is twice as long at 1.5 miles. The shorter trail is recommended for beginners, Edwardson said.
“Expect scenic views, native plants, and chances to spot birds and other wildlife,” he said.
There are some dos and don’ts for hikers. Visitors must stay on the marked paths and are encouraged to bring water. Feeding the wildlife is prohibited.
While spotting a crane or two is a possibility, hikers may also discover longleaf pine, pitcher plants, orchids, and wiregrass. Animal wildlife include deer, squirrels, snakes, and several bird species.
The nature trails are open daily from sunup to sundown. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, federal holidays excluded.
“The refuge offers a limited number of on-site programs, guided tours, and outreach presentations for schools and community groups,” Edwardson said.
Although staff manage the refuge and care of the cranes, others contribute to keeping the crane population on an upward path.
The Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is an official group that supports volunteer projects and fundraising. Donations help with visitor experiences and improvement projects, Edwardson said. To learn more about the Friends of Bon Secour, visit bonsecourfriends.org or follow the group on Facebook.
In addition to joining the Friends, supporters can volunteer, buy federal duck stamps, and share awareness about the cranes and National Wildlife Refuge System, Edwardson said.
To learn more, follow the refuge Facebook page or visit their webpage.
