30 RUKIGA RESIDENTS TRAINED TO PROTECT CRESTED CRANES, THEIR INHABITANTS

By our reporter

www.mknewslink.com

In Rukiga—

Rukiga Resident District Commissioner Ms. Prikeria Muhindo has warned residents against killing wild animals which are a source of income to the country.

Ms. Muhindo added that such animals contribute much as far as tourism is concerned adding that the government earns revenue while residents get market for their goods.

She was speaking as a chief guest at one day training of 30 crested crane custodians held at the Rwamucucu Sub county headquarters in Rukiga district.

The training aimed at educating the 30 on how to safe guard breeding crested cranes as well as how they should raise community awareness.

The trained custodians were equipped with smart phones, umbrellas, gumboots and uniforms plus skills and they are expected to use these to stop the declining population of crested crane.

Dr. Adalbert Ainomucunguzi, the East African regional manager for the International Crane and endangered wildlife partnership revealed that they are mandated to protect cranes and their inhabitants all over the world.

He noted that the cranes have reduced by 80% in the last 40 years and he attributed this to lack of sensitization on the importance of cranes in addition to swamp degradation

He revealed that they have opened their east African branch in Uganda because it has the crane symbol on its flag which shows its passion about the bird’s conservation.

International crane foundation started in early 1997 in the US and is concerned with the well being of crested cranes worldwide.