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Title: Migration of the Black-necked Crane Post by HKBWS Project on Jul 26th, 2005, 2:28pm Characterized by steep mountain ranges and remote agricultural valleys in western China, Bhutan and northeastern India, the Black-necked Crane's Grus nigricollis range is among the least understood of all crane species. More than one-third of the world's population of this threatened species winters in Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces in southwest China. Numbering over 3,000, this population disperses north to high altitude wetlands for breeding during the summer months. However, despite past studies of this population, researchers still know very little about the birds' migration routes and breeding areas. A project, conducted jointly by the International Crane Foundation and researchers in China, will study the migration of the Black-necked Crane. During the two-year study, up to ten birds will be fitted with satellite transmitters, which will enable researchers to follow the birds during their migration. From these data, researchers will identify the birds' migration routes and important staging, stop-over, and nesting locations. Researchers will also conduct an ecology study of the birds, examining the habitat used by the cranes along their migration routes and at their breeding areas. To learn more about this work visit the International Crane Foundation website on "http://www.savingcranes.org/conservation/our_projects/article.cfm?pid=16&aid=62&cid=2 Results of the first year have already been very encouraging. Birds marked at with satellite transmitters at Dashanbao Nature Reserve in northeast Yunnan Province have been tracked to the Ruoergai Marshes in northern Sichuan Province. This area is an important breeding area for the eastern population of Black-necked Cranes. A map provides graphic details on this movement. Dr. Taej Mundkur Wetlands International - South Asia |
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