The Blue Crane has the most restricted distribution range of the world's 15 crane species. The global population is estimated at around 20000. Its main stronghold is South Africa, where its status is classed as "Vulnerable"; it is also regarded as "Vulnerable" on a global scale. However, a curious tiny and highly isolated breeding population of Blue Cranes also occurs in Namibia, over 1000 km north of any other population. In Namibia the species is classed as "Critically Endangered". The birds are found within Etosha National Park and on the grass lands to the north. They pose a genetic and conservation puzzle.