The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the commissioner of wildlife have warned people against killing the Crested Cranes, saying they will either face life imprisonment or pay a Shs20b fine.
The crested crane, chosen as Uganda’s national symbol nearly 100 years ago, is one of the most cherished birds in the country.
“It’s beauty and elegance were the reasons the crane was chosen as Uganda’s national emblem but the destruction of it’s habitat, and series of factors, is making it an endangered bird. The penalty for killing a crested crane is life imprisonment or pay Shs20billion,” George Owoyesigire, the commissioner for wildlife, said yesterday.
The bird, scientifically known as Balearica regulorum gibbericeps, inhabited Uganda’s swamps and fields.