Our Impact News & Insights Landmark Conservation Protects Endangered Whooping Crane Habitat in Texas

December 18, 2025

Landmark Conservation Protects Endangered Whooping Crane Habitat in Texas

Along the Texas Gulf Coast, more than 3,300 acres of wetlands and prairie are now permanently protected, safeguarding vital wintering habitat for the endangered Whooping Crane — one of North America’s rarest birds.

The newly conserved lands sit just outside the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, part of a broader mosaic of protected areas that together total around 150,000 acres. This landscape provides essential foraging and roosting grounds for the Aransas–Wood Buffalo Whooping Crane population, the only wild, self-sustaining flock in existence. After rebounding from just a handful of birds decades ago, the population now exceeds 500.

“Protecting this vital Whooping Crane habitat is a major win for one of North America’s rarest and most endangered birds,” said Dr. Carter Crouch, director of Gulf Coast Programs at the International Crane Foundation.

These habitats also support other endangered and declining species, including black rails, aplomado falcons, mottled ducks and numerous shorebirds.

Photo credits: The Conservation Fund

This conservation success is the result of a first-of-its-kind partnership. The International Crane Foundation purchased 1,150 acres to build its research program, lead habitat restoration, and host community outreach events — its first land acquisition in 52 years. The Conservation Fund secured 2,232 acres of Costa Grande Ranch to prevent development, which will transfer to the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program for long-term stewardship.

Together, these lands strengthen ecological connectivity across the Gulf Coast, making the region more resilient to development pressures, sea-level rise, and habitat loss.

Julie Shackelford, Texas state director at The Conservation Fund, added: “Large, intact coastal landscapes are disappearing fast. Protecting this one ensures critical habitat for endangered species, migratory birds, and the long-term health of the Gulf Coast.”

With these protections in place, families, wildlife, and future generations all benefit from a resilient, thriving Gulf Coast landscape.

Photo credits (from top of page): Ryan Michalesko

Landmark Conservation Protects Endangered Whooping Crane Habitat in Texas

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