SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER CO-AUTHORS: Andrew Caven, Nicole Gordon, Alicia Ward (International Crane Foundation) TITLE: Threat mitigation to protect critical wetland habitat for Whooping Cranes ABSTRACT: In the early 1900s, the endangered Whooping Crane population was restricted to ~16 individuals in one migratory population. Due to conservation efforts throughout their range, we have seen a slow increase of Whooping Cranes in the wild. The establishment of the reintroduced Eastern Migratory Population (EMP) is one such contribution to the recovery of the species. The EMP consists primarily of captive-reared and released Whooping Cranes who are now reproducing in the wild; however, the population is not yet self-sustaining. The International Crane Foundation and our partners are working together to improve demographic rates for the EMP through a variety of strategies. Our goal is to increase survival in the population by releasing captive-reared cranes that are trained to recognize and respond to predators, as well as by mitigating anthropogenic threats like powerline collisions and poaching. Additionally, we aim to reduce predation by managing wetlands on the breeding grounds to have suitable water levels for nesting cranes and limited ambush cover for predators. Through our applied research, adaptive management, and targeted outreach efforts, we hope to see increased rates of survival and reproduction for this iconic endangered species and support wetland habitat for a variety of other wildlife. BIO: Hillary Thompson is the whooping crane project manager for the International Crane Foundation (ICF). Hillary has been at ICF since 2012 and completed her master's degree at Clemson University. She coordinates field research and outreach for Whooping Cranes in the easten flyway. Hillary is also the Co-Chair for the Reintroduction Group's Field Team and the President of the North American Crane Working Group.