YAKUTSK, November 27. /TASS/. The population of Siberian cranes, threatened with extinction, stabilized thanks to joint work of Russian and Chinese ornithologists during the nesting time in hard-to-reach areas of the Yakut tundra, and along their migration routes in China, said ornithologist Inga Bysykatova-Khrami of the Institute for Biological Problems of Cryolithozone, the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch.
Siberian cranes are on Russia’s Red Data Book, on lists of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, IUCN, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The birds make nests only in Russia. They represent two different populations – the West Siberian (Ob), which is practically extinct, and the East Siberian (Yakut). The Eastern population stays between the Yana and Kolyma Rivers in Yakutia’s north-east. For the winter time, the birds migrate to south-eastern China to Poyang Lake in the lower Yangtze.
“The Eastern population’s stabilization is a result of joint efforts by Russia and China with the support from the UN,” the expert told TASS. “The international project of the Institute for Biological Problems of Cryolithozone, supported by the UN and the International Crane Foundation, featured governmental authorities, scientific and educational structures.”
The protection of the Yakut population throughout its areal in Russia and China has stabilized the number of birds, and the population demonstrates a moderate growth tendency – 3,000 – 3,500 birds. Under the project to protect birds threatened with extinction, scientists used various methods, including education of local residents, changing business occupations in the areas, where the birds make nests, and means of the space monitoring.
“The number of cranes will always depend on the feed base, comfortable nesting areas, and the area’s size,” the specialist said. “3-4 thousand birds are a stable population.” For reference: Japan’s population of cranes is about 2,000, and American ornithologists have recovered the population from a couple dozen to 300 birds.
Yakutia has been active in protecting cranes and other bird species. In hard-to-reach areas, the region has organized 19 reserves for birds. The biggest of them is the Kytalyk National Park, organized in 2019, which has been working on protection of the crane population.
Population’s risks
Siberian white crane is one of the rarest species of the world's fauna. During migration seasons, birds cover about 6,000km, which makes the population vulnerable. Towards the wintering grounds, Siberian cranes migrate across Yakutia, making short breaks along the Indigirka River in the taiga and in the middle course of the Aldan River in southern Yakutia. After those breaks, they pass vast wetlands in northeastern China and then fly along the southern coast of the Yellow Sea towards the Bo Gulf.
“During the migration, the cranes may fly into electric lines,” the expert continued. “Besides, their migration season coincides with licensed hunting and fishing, thus making highly possible unfriendly meetings with humans.”
Scientists work to minimize risks for migrating birds. For example, near the Aldan River, they have organized a field of about five hectares, where the birds could eat rye and oats. “The field for the birds has been organized right next to the place, where the electric grid crosses the Aldan – so that the birds do not fly into the wires or pillars,” she continued.
Another big threat for migrating cranes is the poor condition water-peat systems due to unregulated water consumption for agriculture needs.
Cranes’ behavior
Cranes come to Yakutia’s tundra in late May. They take an area of about 82,000 square kilometers.
“For nests they prefer low places, rich in water,” the scientist said. “They are cautious and timid. They would not allow anyone too close to them. We have tried an experiment. Early in spring, before they came to the nesting sites, we installed several cameras, but we have failed so far: the birds have made their nests too far away from the cameras.”
Cranes are predators. They feed not only on vegetation, but also on fish, lemmings, and insects. Usually Siberian cranes lay two eggs, but only one chick survives.
“Their chicks are known for so-called nest aggressiveness, when the stronger nestling bites the weaker one. Families with two grown up chicks are very rare,” the ornithologist added.
The image of Siberian crane is very popular in cultures of the North’s low-numbered indigenous peoples. “The Yakuts say they are sacred birds and birds of happiness. There is a belief: he will be happy who sees a crane. This bird is rare, not everyone can meet it at least once in a life,” the scientist said.
Ornithologists are adamant: this beautiful bird will continue decorating our life. “In the wild, cranes may live 30-40 years, they make couples for life. This is why they are a symbol of family happiness, long life and devotion,” the expert said in conclusion.