Hydrological Modelling for Siberian Crane Grus Leucogeranus Stopover Sites in Northeast China

Habitat loss is one of the key factors underlying the decline of many waterbird species, including Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus), a threatened species worldwide. Wetlands are the primary stopover for many waterbirds and restoration of these wetlands involves both hydrological restoration and water resource management. To protect the stopover sites of Siberian Cranes, we collected Siberian Crane stopover numbers, meteorological and hydrological data, and remote sensing data from 2008 to 2011 in Momoge National Nature Reserve, one of the largest wetlands in northeastern China. A model was developed to estimate the suitability of Siberian Crane stopover sites. According to our results, the most suitable daily water level for Siberian Cranes between 2008 and 2012 occurred in the spring of 2008 and in the Scirpus planiculmis growing season and autumn of 2010. We suggest a season-dependent water management strategy in order to provide suitable conditions at Siberian Crane stopover sites.     

The Demoiselle Crane,Antropoides virgo,in Turkey: distribution and population of a highly endangered species

Abstract

The Demoiselle Crane is one of the rarest bird species of Turkey. 20–30 pairs breed at a few sites in Eastern Anatolia. In contrast to the major part of its ranges, it is confined to wetlands. Compared to Cyprus, the number of migrants is relatively low, which might be explained by a low observation activity during migration seasons.     

Characterisation of 14 blue crane <Emphasis Type="Italic">Grus paradisea</Emphasis> (Gruidae,AVES) microsatellite loci for use in detecting illegal trade

Forty-two unique microsatellite loci were isolated from an unenriched and a tetranucleotide-enriched blue crane (Grus paradisea) genomic library. Fourteen polymorphic loci were characterised in 20 unrelated wild blue crane individuals from the Karoo region, South Africa, and displayed 4–27 alleles with observed heterozygosities ranging between 0.50 and 0.95. All 14 loci were also polymorphic in the grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) and the wattled crane (Grus carunculatus). These markers are aimed at assisting the identification of illegal trade in the blue crane but have wider population and conservation applications for most, if not all, crane species.     

Body size and first-winter survival of Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis chicks

ABSTRACT

An analysis of the biometrics of 187 individually marked Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis chicks from Japan revealed that larger chicks were more likely to seen alive in their first-winter. Male chicks were larger than females but sex did not influence apparent survival, nor did brood size determine body size.     

云南拉市海灰鹤的越冬行为初步观察

2004年10月～2005年3月初步观察了云南拉市海保护区灰鹤(Grus grus)的越冬行为.灰鹤在拉市海的越冬期为175～180 d.10月初至11月下旬为灰鹤在拉市海的"迁入期",11月底至12月底为"过境停留期",1月初至3月中旬为"稳定越冬期",3月中下旬为"迁出期".越冬期日间活动以取食为主,占据了75.53%左右的时间,其次为警戒14.66%、护理5.05%、休息4.49%,4种行为的时间分配在各时间段之间差异极显著.在越冬个体中,家庭单位中的成鹤和幼鹤都是比集群中的个体利用更少的时间取食和更多时间警戒,说明较大的群体规模可以降低个体面临的捕食风险.     

Habitat use and selection by Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis in winter in Yancheng Biosphere Reserve, China

We report the distribution and habitat selection by the Red-crowned Crane Grus japonensis in winter in the Yancheng Biosphere Reserve, China. Including original wetlands and artificial habitats, six types of habitat are used by the species: saltworks (salinas), fish ponds, reed beds, Wormwood Artemisia halodendron beaches, tidal grasslands and wheat fields. We compared the habitat availability with habitat use in each type. In winter, Red-crowned Crane preferentially used tidal grasslands and fish ponds. Saltworks, Wormwood beaches and wheat fields were avoided. The distribution of Red-crowned Crane in different types of habitat changed with the distribution of freshwater and with human activities.     

扎龙自然保护区人工辅助繁育丹顶鹤的保护实践

就地保护中实施迁地保护是濒危物种保护的较为有效的形式。扎龙保护区自1976年筹建以来,就计划并开展了以人工辅助繁育丹顶鹤(Grus japonensis)种群为平台的孵化、训飞、放飞工作,本文通过常规的统计方法对扎龙保护区自建区以来的丹顶鹤孵化、训飞、放飞数据进行了分析。结果显示,建区至今,人工辅助繁育丹顶鹤种群的年均孵化成功率为77.41%(1981年最高,为100%);孵化成活量整体呈上升趋势,年均约为27只(2003年最高,为52只),近10年来基本维持在30~50只之间;训飞规模在逐年提高,近年来基本维持在100~120只之间;放飞规模与训飞规模同步也在逐年提高,年均放飞8只,2009年以来维持在10只以上;放飞野化的丹顶鹤已记录于中国的江苏盐城保护区、山东黄河三角洲保护区、韩国铁原地区。进一步分析表明,扎龙保护区在丹顶鹤保护方面已取得了一定的成绩。     

沙丘鹤在中国的分布状况

沙丘鹤（Grus canadensis）在中国的分布状况传统上被认为是迷鸟。2013年3月29日在辽宁省沈阳市法库县獾子洞湿地进行水鸟调查时,发现一只大型涉禽,经野外观察和查阅文献后确认为沙丘鹤,是辽宁省鸟类新纪录。目前我国已有沙丘鹤分布记录的地区还包括上海、江苏、江西、山东、北京、河北、吉林和黑龙江。结合文献及近年来沙丘鹤在我国稳定的越冬记录,我们认为该种在中国的分布状况应为罕见冬候鸟。     

Microsatellite loci characterized in three African crane species (Gruidae, Aves)

Forty-three microsatellite loci originally isolated in Grus americana and G. japonensis were tested for polymorphism in the blue crane (G. paradisea). Amplified products were sequenced in the blue crane to aid in the design of blue crane-specific primers. When characterized in 20 unrelated blue crane individuals from South Africa, 14 loci were polymorphic, with each locus displaying between 2 and 7 alleles. Eight polymorphic loci were characterized in the grey-crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) and ten in the wattled crane (G. carunculatus).     

Design of Nature Reserve System for Red-Crowned Crane in China

A system of nature reserves is a necessary component of an integrated conservation strategy. The basic problem in the design of a nature reserve system is to select the smallest number of sites from a region for some conservation objectives. There are 33 nature reserves intended for the conservation of Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis), totalling 3.1 million ha. Other habitats of Red-Crowned Crane are facing severe problems due to economic development and other human activities. GIS, iterative methods and the integer programming approach were employed to design the nature reserve system for Red-Crowned Crane, with conservation goals to protect 70 and 60% areas of highly and moderately suitable wetlands, respectively. The results indicated the need to designate six new nature reserves in Wulagai marsh, Duluhe River, Tumen River, Rizhao, Gaoyou Lake and Hongze Lake, and showed a protection zone in Songnen Plain (between Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province) and three clusters of nature reserves in Sanjing Plain, which, will be used as reference for the designation of new nature reserves, or enlargement and adjustment of existing nature reserves. The iterative method and integer programming approaches were feasible for design of nature reserve system.     

The World Crane Action Plan: implications for conservation of cranes and wetlands in Africa

Beilfuss, R.D., Meine, C.D., & Archibald, F.W. 2000. The World Crane Action Plan: implications for conservation of cranes and wetlands in Africa. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 227.

The IUCN Species Survival Commission recently published The Cranes: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Prepared over the past three years by the IUCN Crane Specialist Group, the document reviews the status of the world's cranes (Family: Gruidae) and their habitats, summarises recent crane conservation actions, and specifies priority measures for the future. Eleven of the 15 crane species are now proposed for inclusion on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, and several subspecies and populations are critically endangered. Africa supports six species of cranes in 39 countries. The Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina, national bird of Nigeria, is resident in western and central Africa. The Grey Crowned Crane B. regulorum, national bird of Uganda, spans eastern and southern Africa. The Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculahrs, largest and. rarest of Africa's cranes, ranges from Ethiopia to South Africa. The Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus, national bird of South Africa, is endemic to South Africa and Namibia. The Demoiselle Crane A. Virgo and Eurasian Crane Grus grus are winter visitors. Cranes have been the focus of intensive captive propagation and reintroduction programs as well as extensive habitat protection efforts. They are also excellent umbrella species for ecosystem-level conservation efforts. Wetlands that provide a home for cranes include the floodplains of the great river systems of Africa, such as Kafue Flats and Zambezi Delta of the Zambezi River system, the Okavango River Delta, the Sudd of the Upper Nile River, the Bangweulu Basin and swamps of the Zaire River system, the Senegal River Delta, and the Inner Niger River Delta, and the wetlands of Lake Chad. Small, isolated wetlands provide vital breeding habitat. This presentation will provide an overview of the action plan for those interested in cranes in particular, as well as those working in ecosystems and regions where cranes occur.     

鄱阳湖都昌候鸟自然保护区丰水期和枯水期鸟类多样性

2009年12月和2010年5月,利用样线法和同步调查法对江西省鄱阳湖都昌候鸟自然保护区的鸟类开展了调查,分析了丰水期和枯水期鸟类群落结构的特征及其差异.野外调查共记录到鸟类14目43科169种.丰水期鸟类有36科96种,枯水期鸟类36科135种.其中,国家重点保护鸟类17种.结合保护区日常监测到白鹤(Grus leucogeranus)、灰鹤(G.grus)、白头鹤(G.monacha)和白枕鹤(G.vipio)的分布记录,该保护区鸟类累计达173种.保护区枯水期鸟类以雀形目、鹆形目和雁形目为主,分别占枯水期鸟类种类总数的47.4％、13.3％和9.6％;丰水期鸟类以雀形目、鸻形目和鹳形目为主,分别占鸟类种类总数的58.3％、8.3％和10.4％.枯水期和丰水期鸟类物种组成存在明显的季节性变换.枯水期农田生境鸟类多样性最高,其次是草洲、沼泽和水体,泥滩生境鸟类多样性最低;丰水期农田和水体生境鸟类多样性基本相同.都昌候鸟自然保护区枯水期的优势种为八哥(Acridotheres cristatellus)、白头鹎(Pycnonotus sinensis)、灰椋鸟(Sturnus cineraceus)、麻雀(Passer montanus)和山斑鸠(Streptopelia orientalis),丰水期为白鹭(Egretta garzetta)和八哥.     

东昆仑-阿尔金山地区黑颈鹤种群分布与秋季数量变化

黑颈鹤(Grus nigricollis)是青藏高原特有物种,在新疆主要分布在与青海、西藏相邻的阿尔金山、东昆仑山地区。2011年9～11月,对该地区黑颈鹤的分布、种群大小、数量变化、生存状况等进行了详细调查。在乌尊硝尔、铁木里克乡、玉素甫阿勒克、鸭子泉、阿达滩、祁曼塔格乡、吐拉牧场等25个样点,都观察到有黑颈鹤分布。利用样点调查法和直接计数法,重复调查164次,共记录到黑颈鹤158只。其中,在依协克帕提湿地(N37°15'～37°23',E90°11'～90°20',海拔3 903 m)最多一次记录到126只黑颈鹤集群。结合早期的科学考察记录,推测在整个东昆仑-阿尔金山地区共有黑颈鹤220～260只左右。黑颈鹤家庭成员数量为1～4只,4种类型的家庭所占比例分别为5.9%、60.3%、29.4%和4.4%。在10月份之前,主要以家庭为单位活动;10月中旬,开始大规模集群,10月29日集群数量达到最高峰,并开始迁徙;11月6日黑颈鹤全部迁徙离开。此外,还观察到有少量的灰鹤(G.grus)和蓑羽鹤(Anthropoides virgo)与黑颈鹤混居在一起。     

我国内蒙古发现白鹤夏季群体

白鹤 (Grusleucogeranus)又名西伯利亚鹤、黑袖鹤。体长 1 3 5cm ,站高 1 40cm。体羽除初级飞羽外 ,皆为白色。全世界野生白鹤数量不足 40 0 0只 ,已经被IUCN红皮书列为全球濒危种类 ,CITES列入附录Ⅰ ,我国也将白鹤列为国家一级重点保护鸟类。据文献记载及现有资料证明 ,白鹤在我国为旅鸟和冬候鸟。 2 0 0 2～ 2 0 0 4年夏季在内蒙古图牧吉国家级自然保护区均记录到白鹤夏季种群 ,数量为 8只、7只和1 6只。这是我国首次记录到白鹤夏季集群。笔者对白鹤夏季行为及食性进行了初步观察。     

黑颈鹤在新疆罗布泊和昆仑山分布及种群状况

黑颈鹤(Grus nigricollis)俗称"吐尔那",在新疆罕见,主要分布在与西藏和青海接壤的阿尔金山、昆仑山、喀喇昆仑山区.作者1985～2010年间在若羌(祁曼塔格、东昆仑山、阿尔金山)、且末(吐拉牧场、车尔臣河流域)、和田(阿克赛钦湖)、墨玉、皮山(喀拉喀什河流域)、叶城(叶尔羌河流域)等地记录到黑颈鹤.采用...     

Non-invasive method of sex identification of crane chicks by the DNA from capillary vessels of allantois

The non-invasive method of determining the sex of chicks after hatching based on the DNA isolated from capillary vessels of allantois of the egg-shell membranes was demonstrated on four crane species (Gruinae, Aves), which were bred in the Crane Breeding Centre of the Oka Nature Reserve in 2009–2012. Using the EE0.6 molecular marker of sex, the gender of 26 Siberian (Grus leucogeranus), 15 Red-crowned (G. japonensis), 4 Common (G. grus) and 1 Demoiselle (Anthropoides virgo) crane chicks was identified. This method can be recommended for determining the sex of chicks and the ratio of sexes in cranes that reproduce both in captivity and natural populations.     

鄱阳湖越冬白鹤家庭行为

2012年11月至2013年3月,采用焦点取样法,对在江西鄱阳湖国家级自然保护区内越冬的白鹤(Grus leucogeranus)家庭行为进行了研究。结果表明,以家庭为活动单位的白鹤群,成年白鹤活动时间分配比例为:取食80.9%、警戒10.5%、理羽4.0%、游走3.9%、其他0.7%;越冬早期,成年白鹤游走行为的日节律呈现早、晚高,中午低,低谷在10:30~12:30时;越冬晚期,13:00~14:00时出现明显的取食低谷及警戒、游走和理羽的高峰;而越冬早期、中期的理羽高峰出现在14:00~15:00时;成年白鹤雄性与雌性的活动时间分配比例差异不显著;越冬期早、中、晚三个时期,成年白鹤的警戒(F=3.45,P=0.040)、理羽(F=6.99, P=0.001)及游走(F=7.79, P=0.001)行为比例差异显著。幼鹤活动时间分配比例与成年白鹤差异非常显著。幼鹤活动时间分配比例为:取食66.2%、乞食14.0%、警戒3.7%、理羽5.4%、游走3.6%、其他7.1%。雄性成鹤对幼鹤的喂饲频次呈递减趋势,雌性成鹤对幼鹤的喂饲频次从11月底到12月初呈上升趋势,12月中旬以后呈递减状态。整个越冬期,雄、雌成鹤喂饲幼鹤频次无显著性别差异(P=0.340),但越冬中期(P<0.001)及晚期(P=0.005)表现出极显著差异。随着幼鹤的成长,其活动时间节律发生较大变化;幼鹤取食行为比例明显增加,同时其乞食行为的比例显著减少,警戒行为比例显著增加。本次研究从行为学的角度展示了成年白鹤性别差异、幼鹤的生长过程及成鹤对幼鹤生长的重要性。     

中国鹤类现状及其保护对策

中国有9种鹤类,其中灰鹤（Grus grus）、黑颈鹤（Grus nigricollis）、丹顶鹤（Grus japonensis）、白枕鹤（Grus vipio）、赤颈鹤（Grus antigone）、蓑羽鹤（Anthropoides virgo）在中国进行繁殖。中国政府为保护鹤类采取了大量有效措施。本文在结合当前鹤类数量和保护现状的基础上,对中国鹤类的保护对策进行探讨。     

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF CRANES (GRUIDAE) IN THE CAPE PROVINCE

Siegfried, W. R. 1985. Relative abundance of cranes (Gruidae) in the Cape Province. Ostrich 56:101-103.

The results of monthly roadside counts of Crowned Cranes Balearica regulorum, Wattled Cranes Grus carunculatas and Blue Cranes Anthropoides paradisea show that Blue and Crowned cranes occurred most abundantly and densely in the eastern part of the Cape Province in 1965–1966. The Blue Crane's average relative abundance was approximately four times that of the Crowned Crane whose population occupied tend to breed in summer, the Blue Crane slightly earlier than the Crowned Crane. The population of the Wattled Crane was a small relict, occurrin in East Griqualand. Based on a rough estimate, there were about 1000–1500 Crowned Cranes and about 7000–10000 Blue Cranes in the Cape Province in the mid-1960s.