The Sandhill crane is believed to be one of oldest living bird species in the world, having occupied our planet for roughly two million years. Throughout their existence migratory Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) have been migrating thousands of miles between their summer and winter ranges. The changes that have occurred along this route over this span of time is difficult to imagine. In recent history, human impacts had a devastating effect on the population of this species. By the 1900’s habitat loss by human development and overhunting had reduced the population of these birds to near extinction. Today, the Sandhill cranes that depend on New Mexico for winter habitat are thriving. This astonishing recovery has occurred despite estimates that more than 90% of the historic wetland habitat in the Middle Rio Grande has been lost during the last two hundred years. From 1935 to 1989 it's been said that the Middle Rio Grande Valley saw more than a fifty percent reduction in wetlands. Fortunately for our Sandhill Cranes, in 1939 the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide critical stopover and winter grounds for migrating wildlife. On this episode of the Ahi Va podcast, Jesse Deubel speaks with two of the nation's most experienced professionals who have been instrumental in the continued success of both Sandhill cranes and the habitat on which they depend.

Alan Hamilton, Ph.D works with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation as the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) Program Director. In this role he has led the implementation of three Standard NAWCA grants that combined protected and enhanced 5,467 acres of wetlands in the Middle Rio Grande. Dr. Hamilton is also the founder and board president of Rio Grande Return. Rio Grande Return is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting New Mexico’s rivers, streams, springs, seeps, and the unique habitats and diverse wildlife they support. Matt Boggie, Ph.D is a wildlife ecologist and his research has centered on integrating statistical approaches to investigate how environmental change and natural and anthropogenic disturbances modulate the behavioral responses of wildlife and influence the habitat and distribution of wildlife populations. Through effective partnerships, his research has contributed to the development and implementation of broad-scale conservation strategies. He places a high value on bringing together partners and stakeholders to address shared conservation priorities and combining efforts to deliver actionable outcomes His doctoral research included a detailed investigation into the winter ecology of the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes in the Middle Rio Grande Valley and assessed how the population responds to landscape change.

December 1st-3rd, 2022 Friends of Bosque del Apache will be hosting "Festival of the Cranes + Virtual Crane Fiesta." This event is a stunning celebration of Sandhill cranes and everything their history and resilience can teach us about ourselves, the natural world and intersection that exists between the two. Hope to see you at the festival. Until then, "Enjoy the Listen!"

For More Info:
https://friendsofbosquedelapache.org/festival/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthew-Boggie-2
https://riograndereturn.com/
https://www.newmexico.org/listing/bosque-del-apache-national-wildlife-refuge/363/