Arctic Crane Project: New Database to Track Endangered Species

A vital research project, set to span from 2026 to 2027, will establish a new database and distribution map for the critically endangered Siberian crane. This initiative, based in the Kytalyk National Park within Yakutia's Arctic Zone, is supported by a grant from the Presidential Foundation for Nature. The research aims to meticulously document the Siberian crane population, including nest locations and habitats, facilitating future monitoring efforts.

For the first time, drones are being employed to survey vast areas exceeding 800,000 square kilometers, a significant advancement from previous studies conducted between the 1990s and 2008. This project also signifies crucial international collaboration, with cooperation agreements established between Russia's Zeya Nature Reserve and China's Poyang Lake National Nature Reserve. These partnerships are designed to bolster the protection of Siberian cranes along their entire migratory path.

The Siberian crane, a species nesting exclusively in Russia, is the world's third rarest crane. While the East Siberian population has seen some growth, reaching approximately 5,500 birds, it remains critically low. The bird holds deep cultural significance for the indigenous peoples of the North, often revered as a sacred bird of happiness. The Kytalyk National Park, established in December 2019, plays a pivotal role, as 70% of the Siberian crane population resides within its protected area.