The crane population in the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt continues its upward trend. According to the latest data from the State Office for Environmental Protection (Landesamt für Umweltschutz), 765 breeding pairs were recorded in 2024, an increase of 30 pairs compared to the previous year. This success is the result of long-term nature conservation efforts, including the rewetting of peatlands and the creation of small water bodies, which provide crucial habitats for these majestic birds.
Increase in breeding pairs
In 2024, 765 breeding pairs of cranes were counted in Saxony-Anhalt, compared to 735 the year before.
Effective habitat protection
The population is growing thanks to the rewetting of peatlands and the construction of small water bodies (Kleingewässer).
Community monitoring
Data is collected with the support of a network of volunteers monitoring nests and bird numbers.
The crane population in Saxony-Anhalt reached a new high in 2024, confirming a stable growth trend for the species in the region. According to official data published by the Landesamt für Umweltschutz Sachsen-Anhalt, 765 breeding pairs were counted in the state. This is a clear jump compared to 2023, when 735 pairs were recorded. 765 — breeding pairs in 2024 This means an increase of 30 pairs in just twelve months, which experts see as proof of improved quality in local ecosystems.
The main areas where these birds are found remain the Altmark and Drömling regions, where natural conditions favor nesting. Breeding success is directly linked to the implementation of environmental projects, such as wiedervernässung von Mooren, the rewetting of degraded peatlands. Additionally, the creation of a network of small water bodies, known as Kleingewässern, provides cranes with essential peace and an abundance of food during the breeding season. Crane breeding pairs in Saxony-Anhalt: 2023-01-01: 735, 2024-01-01: 765
A significant role in the process of bird protection and counting is played by ehrenamtliche Kranichschützer. This group of volunteers works closely with state authorities, providing precise field data that allows for real-time tracking of population dynamics. The crane has become a symbol of effective nature conservation in Saxony-Anhalt, and its presence is treated as an indicator of the health of the entire wetland landscape. Change in breeding pairs year-on-year: number of breeding pairs: 735 in 2023 → 765 in 2024; absolute change: baseline → +30 pairs
Many wetland areas in Germany were drained for decades for agricultural purposes. Current environmental policy focuses on reversing these processes, which not only promotes biodiversity but also improves water retention in the face of increasingly frequent droughts. Although climate change poses a challenge for water management, this year's results show that targeted conservation efforts are yielding tangible effects. The steady increase in breeding pairs in Saxony-Anhalt fits into a broader, positive trend observed in northern and eastern Germany, making this region one of the key strongholds for cranes in Central Europe.