Survey of breeding populations of the Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) in the Songnen Plain, northeastern China

With the support of the UNEP/GEF Siberian Crane Wetland Project, a five-year field survey of breeding waterbirds was conducted in four nature reserves-Zhalong, Keerqin, Xianghai and Momoge National Nature Reserves in the Songnen Plain for the period from May 2004 to August 2008. The purpose of the survey was to improve our understanding of the distribution and populations of breeding waterbirds in this area. The Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) was the most important target species. Our survey results confirm that the Zhalong wetland is the largest breeding ground for the Red-crowned cranes in the Songnen Plain. Over 90% of the breeding birds were found in Zhalong, with numbers fluctuating from 112 to 275 over the years. Reed (Phragmites australis) is the most important plant species associated with breeding locations of this bird species. Water supply to the wetland can relieve pressure from deterioration of wetland habitats for the breeding of Red-crowned cranes. However, a sound scientific basis for the water supply mechanism is the key to better management of their habitat and a prerequisite for ensuring the breeding success of the Red-crowned Crane.