Young birds have full adult plumage at one year, but only become sexually mature at 4-8 years. Prior to sexual maturity they form roving flocks which are not confined to wetlands. These flocks forage on grainlands where they feed on harvest leftovers, often in the company of blue and crowned cranes. This is where cranes sometimes get poisoned, either taking in pesticide residues, or eating poison laid deliberately. In some areas cranes are seen as crop pests, in others as an easy source of food.
Wattled cranes can look forward to a long life once they have achieved maturity.
The permanent wetlands of the highlands are scattered and difficult to consolidate into reserves. Loss of nest sites for these reasons can only be prevented by proper protection from an informed and concerned farmer. In Zambia a hydro-electric scheme on the Kafue River is controlling floods and reducing nesting sites for wattled cranes in the area. If these wattled cranes are to survive, provision must be made for them in future industrial plans. Even if no wattled cranes live there, it is valuable piece of a disappearing habitat.