Envirothon- Endangered Species in Louisiana - Whooping Crane

Page 56:

  • Whooping Cranes are one of the world's most endangered crane species

    • Estimated 700 individuals in the world

    • Only occur naturally in North America

  • Louisiana's project to reestablish a population of whooping cranes

    • Started in 2011

    • Currently has 71 cranes

  • Historical habitat of whooping cranes in Louisiana

    • Cajun Prairie grasslands

  • Current habitat of whooping cranes in Louisiana

    • Rice and crawfish fields

  • Issue with awareness and identification of whooping cranes in Louisiana

    • Residents struggle to identify the crane compared to other egret species

Page 57:

  • Several species of birds resemble whooping cranes

    • Snow Goose is the only species that can be shot during hunting season

  • Importance of knowing the target before shooting

  • Photo of various bird species resembling whooping cranes

Page 59:

  • Whooping Crane is North America's tallest bird

    • Height: 5 feet

    • Weight: 5-7 kg (11-17 lbs)

    • Wingspan: ~7-8 ft

Page 60:

  • List of other endangered species in Louisiana

    • Red Cockaded Woodpecker

    • Western Manatee

    • All sea turtle species

    • Louisiana Pine Snake

    • Abbeville Red Iris

    • Gulf Sturgeon

Page 61:

  • Louisiana's success in recovering threatened or endangered species

    • Examples: Brown Pelican, Louisiana Black Bear, Bald Eagle, American Alligator