The Cranes IUCN

The fifteen species of cranes constitute one of the most
endangered families of birds in the world. Cranes have also
played an important role in the rise of the international conservation
movement. In particular, the recovery of the
Whooping Crane from near extinction has provided strong
impetus to the conservation movement, and has opened the
eyes of many people to the steep price that we pay for ignoring
the damage we cause to the natural world.
The establishment of the International Crane Foundation
(ICF) in 1973 and of Crane Working Groups in countries and
regions around the world has stimulated unprecedented interest
in cranes among specialists and the broader public in countries
with diverse political and economic systems — including
the USA, the former Soviet Union, Japan, China, South Korea,
India, Iran, South Africa, and Australia. Thanks to the active
programs of ICF, cooperative programs for the conservation of
cranes have been initiated among many of these countries.
Even during the most difficult years of the Cold War era, successful
crane conservation programs were established and carried
out such as: international projects for Siberian Crane conservation
("Operation Sterkh"); collaborative studies of the
endangered cranes of the Far East; establishment of the joint
Russian-Chinese nature reserve at Lake Khanka, as well as
other protected areas; development of new centers for the captive
propagation of endangered cranes at Oka and Khinganski
Nature Reserves, Zhalong Nature Reserve in China, and other
sites; and regular communications among colleagues from
many nations. As a result, over the last twenty-five years we
have been able to assess the status of all the crane species and
their habitats, to identify possible threats, to establish many
protected areas, and to sign various cooperative international
agreements.
These results are especially valuable in that, for the first
time in history, concerned individuals from throughout the
world have been able to work closely together for the protection
of a specific group of endangered species. In addition,
these efforts have involved unprecedented close cooperation
among the public and private sectors and national and international
institutions in the development and implementation of
specific projects. Through regular workshops and meetings,
publications, newsletters, and the active involvement of the
mass media, a broad-scale exchange of information, ideas, and
experiences in crane conservation has been achieved, and a
global network of enthusiasts has formed to protect and preserve
these beautiful birds and their habitats.
In this way, cranes have come to play a unique role as
ambassadors for peace, helping peoples from different countries
to recognize the common ground that unites them.
Principles and methods developed through the study and conservation
of cranes have contributed to the foundation of
broader national, international, and regional programs for the
conservation of biological diversity and the implementation of
Preface
iii
the idea of sustainable land use. Cooperative crane conservation
and habitat restoration projects have played a substantial
role in the development of new forms of international collaboration.
The cranes have accomplished what diplomats have
been unable to do, bringing together scientists, conservationists,
and government officials from countries whose relations
for many years have been less than friendly.
As of today, however, many crane conservation goals have
yet to be achieved. Often the most important and valuable
information has been unavailable to those who need it. The situation
in different crane habitats is highly dynamic, so that
even small local changes in certain populations can significantly
affect the status of species as a whole. The time is now
ripe for a unified working document that coordinates the
efforts and plans of all organizations and individuals involved
in the conservation of cranes and their natural habitats.
This action plan provides such a document. This publication
is unique in its highly detailed and complete treatment of
crane conservation activities and needs, and in the extent to
which crane scientists and conservationists from around the
world have participated in its preparation. This plan represents
the fruition of this highly productive period of activity in
assessing and evaluating the status of cranes, selecting conservation
priorities and mechanisms, and developing an international
network of organizations and specialists. Its implementation
will promote improved living conditions for the wide
range of plants, animals, and people that live side-by-side with
cranes.
Although this document is based on thorough scientific
information, it has been written in lively and vibrant language,
understandable to a broad audience, from scientists and conservationists
to government officials and nature lovers in general.
The plan effectively combines two approaches to cranes
and their needs — by species and by geographic region. The
fifteen species accounts present complete information on the
population and status of each species, and on current conservation
activities. The status of the cranes in different countries
and regions is considered in the context of the varied political,
economic, and cultural factors they face. Another beneficial
feature of this action plan is the fact that it represents a working
document that is open to additions and improvements.
New information on the biology of the birds and the changes
that their populations and habitats are undergoing can be easily
and efficiently updated. The Ron Sauey Memorial Library
at ICF, with its unique and extensive collection of crane literature
from around the world, has been especially valuable in
pulling this body of information together.
A great many specialists from around the world have participated
in the preparation of this publication. Their contributions
of advice, expertise, and information have helped to
ensure this document's high quality and reliability. In this
respect, the plan represents the product of an international