Siberian Cranes
Although there are about 3,500 Siberian Cranes, conservationists classify this species as Critically Endangered. The species has nearly disappeared from its range in central and western Asia (only one confirmed Siberian Crane remains in the western population, and the final pair in the central population was last sighted in 2002), while the fate of the eastern population along the East Asia flyway is uncertain.
As with the Whooping Crane in North America, wetland loss and uncontrolled hunting have contributed to the decline of the Siberian Crane in Eurasia. However, we will also learn that people are the key to crane conservation in Eurasia, and that researchers, nature reserve managers, fishermen, teachers, and students – like you - are working together to ensure a future for Siberian Cranes.
Siberian Crane Fact Sheet
Fun fact: Siberian Cranes have the longest bill of any crane species and slightly webbed feet. Why do you think they have these adaptations? Learn more
Siberian Crane Conservation
Little was known about Siberian Crane until recent decades. Russian scientists first studied Siberian Cranes on their breeding grounds in Yakutia in the 1960s and ‘70s, and it wasn’t until 1980 that the population’s wintering grounds in the Poyang Lake Basin (where over 98% of this population winters!) were discovered by Chinese scientists. Read more