Latest news with #BlueCrane
The South African
27-06-2025
- Science
- The South African
South Africa's national bird moves a step closer to extinction
South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane, has been officially downgraded to 'vulnerable' on the newly published Regional Red Data Book of Birds – a wake-up call for conservationists, farmers, and bird lovers nationwide. This iconic species, once a symbol of national pride and rural harmony, is now at risk of spiralling toward extinction unless immediate action is taken. Data from the Coordinated Avian Roadcounts (CAR) reveals that Blue Crane numbers in the Overberg – home to the largest remaining population – have declined by 44% since 2011. This comes after a period of significant growth (a 261% increase from 1994-2010), led by collaborative conservation work between farmers, CapeNature, the Overberg Crane Group, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust/International Crane Foundation (EWT/ICF). When funding and focus diminished in the mid-2010s, so too did that upward momentum – paving the way for new, unchecked threats. A combination of human disturbance, barbed wire injuries, poisoning, and climate change now pose a serious risk to Blue Crane survival: Low breeding success : Only 0.55 fledglings per pair , far below replacement levels : Only , far below replacement levels Nest failures caused by extreme weather and human presence caused by extreme weather and human presence Powerline collisions remain a leading cause of adult mortality remain a leading cause of adult mortality Agricultural shifts, including expanded canola crops and minimum tillage, may be reducing access to quality nesting sites Michelle Bouwer , an MSc student studying crane nesting patterns, notes that rising temperatures and droughts – predicted to worsen with climate change – are exacerbating the crisis. While the new 'vulnerable' status is alarming, conservationists are hopeful that it ushers in renewed support and urgency: Greater funding opportunities for conservation programmes for conservation programmes Policy incentives for biodiversity-friendly agriculture for biodiversity-friendly agriculture Stronger collaboration with local farmers, many of whom are already taking proactive steps 'There is still hope,' says Dr Christie Craig of the EWT/ICF. 'But only if we act quickly and decisively.' Support and donate to organisations like EWT , BirdLife South Africa , and CapeNature , , and Volunteer for citizen science projects like CAR like CAR Encourage policies that promote biodiversity in farming Spread awareness about the Blue Crane's plight South Africa's national bird may be vulnerable, but it is not beyond saving. #SaveTheBlueCrane #ConservationMatters #BirdLifeSA #BlueCraneCrisis Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Crane to develop Hotel Sundry in downtown Springdale
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Bentonville-based developer Blue Crane has announced plans for a new hotel project in Downtown Springdale. The 124-room Hotel Sundry, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, will be located at 203 E. Emma Avenue and is expected to break ground later this month, with an anticipated opening in 2027, according to a news release. The five-story hotel will include a range of amenities, such as a modern Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza, a coffee shop and café, an oversized fitness center and bike storage facilities catering to the nearby Razorback Greenway and regional mountain biking trails. Previous Blue developments in Springdale include 202 Railside and VIA Emma. Alice Walton placed on Time 100 Health 2025 list Blue Crane is the real estate arm of Walton-owned Runway Group. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Bentonville Square project to preserve historic jail, add housing and retail
BENTONVILLE, Ark. ( — A new mixed-use development is planned for downtown Bentonville, with developers saying the project will add residential units, commercial spaces and underground parking while maintaining elements of the area's historic character. Blue Crane, a Bentonville-based development company, announced the project on April 25 in partnership with Riverside, a development firm based in Austin, Texas. The planned development will span Second Street between NW A Street and North Main Street, just north of the Bentonville Square. According to a news release, utility relocation began earlier this month, and full construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026. The project will include updated street-level storefronts designed to reflect the appearance of 19th-century brick commercial buildings, according to concept renderings provided by the developers. Plans also include restoration of the historic Benton County Jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 'We really tried to create a space that honors the square's importance while carefully introducing new architecture and amenities to serve our growing community.' Brian Shaw, a member of the development team at Blue Crane, said in the release. Rock music movie filmed in Northwest Arkansas releasing next month The Arvest Bank branch on the square will temporarily relocate to 215 NW A Street during construction, with plans to return in a redesigned space that includes a community room. The project also adds residential units to boost housing availability and support local businesses, alongside new commercial space. Plans include underground parking to improve access while preserving the square's walkability and public areas that connect to the Razorback Greenway and A Street Promenade. The north side of the square was last significantly redeveloped in the 1980s, when many of the original structures were reconstructed. More information about the project, including renderings and future updates, is available at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
