Global distribution and number of overwintering black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)

doi:10.17520/biods.2022400

Abstract

Abstract:

Aims: Due to low densities and secretive breeding behavior on mating grounds, bird surveys in winter are important for assessing population trends. The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) was downgraded from Vulnerable (VU) to the Near Threatened (NT) conservation status in 2020, yet the latest version of its population survey was in 2014, which may vary from the current population size. This study aims to investigate the black-necked crane’s population size and overwintering sites to provide important information for conservation.

Methods: Using the direct count method we surveyed the overwintering black-necked crane’s population size and location from January to March 2022 in Bhutan as well as in 4 provinces of China, namely Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, and Guizhou. In roost sites, we used drone imagery to count densely distributed populations. The location of observation sites and the survey routes were recorded by 2bulu (v7.1.9-1217). Both the distribution map of the overwintering black-necked crane and the roadmap of the survey were drawn in QGIS (v3.22.2).

Results: A total of 17,389-17,610 black-necked cranes were recorded in this survey, including 11,812-11,895 individuals in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and 5,577-5,715 in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. A new overwintering site was found in Xinjiang.

Conclusion: This study provides the latest record of the black-necked crane’s population and overwinter distribution. We also put forward suggestions on dividing overwintering populations in Tibet into the Xigazê overwintering population, the Lhasa-Lhoka overwintering population, and the Nyingchi overwintering population. The results may provide basic data for further conservation and ecological research on the black-necked crane.

Key words: black-necked crane, wintering birds, population distribution, population number, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

Jiajia Chen, Zhen Pu, Zhonghong Huang, Fengqin Yu, Jianjun Zhang, Donghua Xu, Junquan Xu, Peng Shang, Dilimulati·Parhati, Yaojiang Li, Jigme Tshering, Yumin Guo. Global distribution and number of overwintering black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis)[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2023, 31(6): 22400.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2022400

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2023/V31/I6/22400

Figures/Tables 3

References 42

[1]	Bird JP, Martin R, Akçakaya HR, Gilroy J, Burfield IJ, Garnett ST, Symes A, Taylor J, Şekercioğlu ÇH, Butchart SHM (2020) Generation lengths of the world’s birds and their implications for extinction risk. Conservation Biology, 34, 1252-1261. DOI URL
[2]	BirdLife International (2020) Grus nigricollis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020:e.T22692162A180030167. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22692162A180030167.en. (accessed on 2022-10-11)
[3]	Bishop MA (1996) Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) species account. In: The Crane: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (eds Meine C, Achibald G), pp. 184-193. M. O. M Printing, Ottawa, Canada.
[4]	Chen XP (1994) Black-necked cranes wintering habitat expedition in northeastern Yunnan and western Guizhou Plateau. Yunnan Geographic Environment Research, 6(1), 84-87. (in Chinese)
	[陈晓平 (1994) 滇东北-黔西高原黑颈鹤及其主要越冬地考察. 云南地理环境研究, 6(1), 84-87.]
[5]	Fan L (2021) Investigation on overwintering regularity of black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in Xundian Provincial Nature Reserve. Journal of Green Science and Technology, 23(4), 149-150, 153. (in Chinese)
	[范雷 (2021) 寻甸黑颈鹤省级自然保护区黑颈鹤越冬规律调查. 绿色科技, 23(4), 149-150, 153.]
[6]	Han LX, Han B (2014) Potential threats and effective protection for the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in Yunnan Province. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 61-65. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[韩联宪, 韩奔 (2014) 云南省黑颈鹤的保护成效与潜在威胁. 动物学研究, 35(S1), 61-65.]
[7]	Han XS, Guo YM (2018) Model analysis for the potential threat to the wintering habitats of the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in Nyingchi, Tibet. Chinese Journal of Wildlife, 39, 539-549. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[韩雪松, 郭玉民 (2018) 西藏林芝黑颈鹤越冬地潜在威胁的模型分析. 野生动物学报, 39, 539-549.]
[8]	Jia R, Ma T, Zhang GG, Liu DP, Lu J (2019) Population dynamics and habitat use of the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin, Tibet, China. Avian Research, 10, 32. DOI
[9]	Lhendup P, Webb EL (2009) Black-necked cranes Grus nigricollis in Bhutan: Migration routes, threats and conservation prospects. Forktail, 25, 125-129.
[10]	Li FS (2005) Status and conservation of black-necked crane. In: Status and Conservation of Black-necked Cranes on the Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau, People’s Republic of China (eds Li FS, Yang XJ, Yang F), pp. 44-56. Yunnan Nationalities Publishing House, Kunming. (in Chinese)
	[李凤山 (2005) 黑颈鹤的现状和保护. 见: 云贵高原黑颈鹤的现状与保护(李凤山, 杨晓君, 杨芳主编), 44-56页. 云南民族出版社, 昆明.]
[11]	Li FS (2014) IUCN black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) conservation plan. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 3-9. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[李凤山 (2014) IUCN黑颈鹤保护行动计划. 动物学研究, 35(S1), 3-9.]
[12]	Li FS, Yang F (2003) Population numbers and distribution of black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in the Yungui Gaoyuan Plateau. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 38(3), 43-46. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[李凤山, 杨芳 (2003) 云贵高原黑颈鹤的种群数量和分布. 动物学杂志, 38(3), 43-46.]
[13]	Li LX (2014) Number and distribution of wintering cranes and waterbirds at the Luguhu Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China in 2013. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 240-242. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[李连翔 (2014) 2013年云南宁蒗泸沽湖鹤类及大型水禽的数量和分布. 动物学研究, 35(S1), 240-242.]
[14]	Li ZM, Li FS (2005) Research on the Black-necked Crane. Shanghai Science and Technology Education Press, Shanghai. (in Chinese)
	[李筑眉, 李凤山 (2005) 黑颈鹤研究. 上海科技教育出版社, 上海.]
[15]	Ludlow F (1950) The birds of Lhasa. Ibis, 92, 34-45. DOI URL
[16]	Ludlow F, Kinnear NB (1944) The birds of south-eastern Tibet. Ibis, 86, 176-208. DOI URL
[17]	Luo J, He SY (2014) Number of wintering cranes and waterbirds at the Napahai Nature Reserve, Yunnan, China in 2013. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 237-239. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[罗俊, 和绍友 (2014) 2013年云南纳帕海自然保护区鹤类及大型水禽的数量. 动物学研究, 35(S1), 237-239.]
[18]	Namgay R, Wangchuk S (2016) Habitat preferences and conservation threats to black-necked cranes wintering in Bhutan. SpringerPlus, 5, 228. DOI PMID
[19]	Paprocki N, Oleyar D, Brandes D, Goodrich L, Crewe T, Hoffman SW (2017) Combining migration and wintering counts to enhance understanding of population change in a generalist raptor species, the North American red-tailed hawk. The Condor: Ornithological Applications, 119, 98-107.
[20]	Qian FW, Xie JG, Yin F, Zhang ZW (2021) Cranes in China. Post and Telecom Press, Beijing. (in Chinese and in English)
	[钱法文, 谢建国, 尹峰, 张正旺 (2021) 中国鹤. 人民邮电出版社, 北京.]
[21]	Qiu GX (1990) Discovery of the new hibernaculum of Grus nigricollis in the northeast Yunnan. Zoological Research, 11(4), 272. (in Chinese)
	[仇国新 (1990) 滇东北黑颈鹤越冬地的新发现. 动物学研究, 11(4), 272.]
[22]	Qiu GX, Huang GZ, Liu FL (1995) Research on overwintering ecology and conservation of black-necked crane in eastern and northeastern Yunnan. Yunnan Environment Science, 14(3), 40-43. (in Chinese)
	[仇国新, 黄国柱, 刘方林 (1995) 滇东、滇东北黑颈鹤越冬生态研究与保护. 云南环境科学, 14(3), 40-43.]
[23]	Rolshausen G, Segelbacher G, Hobson KA, Schaefer HM (2009) Contemporary evolution of reproductive isolation and phenotypic divergence in sympatry along a migratory divide. Current Biology, 19, 2097-2101. DOI PMID
[24]	Tsamchue D (2004) Ring-labeled black-necked crane was found in Shigatse, Tibet. China Crane News, 8(1), 14. (in Chinese)
	[仓决卓玛 (2004) 西藏日喀则发现彩色标记的黑颈鹤. 中国鹤类通讯, 8(1), 14.]
[25]	Tsamchue D, Yang L, Li JC, Yangjaen D (2008) Current status of conservation and research on black-necked cranes. Sichuan Journal of Zoology, 27, 449-453. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[仓决卓玛, 杨乐, 李建川, 央金卓嘎 (2008) 西藏黑颈鹤的保护与研究现状. 四川动物, 27, 449-453.]
[26]	Tsering, Benba D, Lagdor, Basang, Pudu (2009) Relationship between wintering habitat protection of the black-necked crane and local agricultural activities. Journal of Tibet University (Natural Science Edition), 24(2), 1-7. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[次仁, 边巴卓玛, 拉多, 巴桑, 普布 (2009) 世界濒危物种黑颈鹤的越冬栖息地保护与当地农业活动的关系. 西藏大学学报(自然科学版), 24(2), 1-7.]
[27]	Tshering P, Jigme T (2014) Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in Bhutan: Current population status and conservation initiatives. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 10-19.
[28]	Turbek SP, Schield DR, Scordato ESC, Contina A, Da XW, Liu Y, Liu Y, Pagani-Núñez E, Ren QM, Smith CCR, Stricker CA, Wunder M, Zonana DM, Safran RJ (2022) A migratory divide spanning two continents is associated with genomic and ecological divergence. Evolution, 76, 722-736. DOI PMID
[29]	Turbek SP, Scordato ESC, Safran RJ (2018) The role of seasonal migration in population divergence and reproductive isolation. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 33, 164-175. DOI URL
[30]	Wang BC, Pei W, Se YJ, Yang JC, Wang YM, Yang HR, Fu HY, Yu FQ, Wang ZJ, Lang XM, Pu Z, Guo YM (2021) Colliding with power lines being the main reason of the death of satellite-tracked black-necked crane juveniles in wintering area. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 56, 161-170. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[王博驰, 裴雯, 色拥军, 杨巨才, 王煜明, 杨海蓉, 付红彦, 于凤琴, 王子健, 郎雪敏, 蒲真, 郭玉民 (2021) 卫星跟踪揭示撞击电线是黑颈鹤幼鸟越冬地死亡的主要原因. 动物学杂志, 56, 161-170.]
[31]	Wang Y, Mi CR, Guo YM (2020) Satellite tracking reveals a new migration route of black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. PeerJ, 8, e9715. DOI URL
[32]	Wang YH, Wu ZK, Li ZM, Jiang YM (1989) Chinese research on black-necked crane. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 24(2), 35-39. (in Chinese)
	[王有辉, 吴至康, 李筑眉, 江亚猛 (1989) 我国的黑颈鹤与研究. 动物学杂志, 24(2), 35-39.]
[33]	Wang ZJ, Guo YM, Dou ZG, Se YJ, Yang JC, Na S, Yu FQ (2020) Autumn migration route and stopover sites of black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) breeding in Yanchiwan Nature Reserve, China. Waterbirds, 43, 94-100. DOI URL
[34]	Wu ZK, Chen Y, Wu SE, Lin QW, Hu HX, Tang RC (1979) Birds in Guizhou (IV)—New record in Guizhou Province. Wuhan University Journal of Natural Sciences, (4), 97-112. (in Chinese)
	[吴至康, 陈云, 吴守恩, 林齐维, 胡鸿兴, 唐瑞昌 (1979) 贵州的鸟类(IV)——贵州省新记录. 武汉大学学报(自然科学版), (4), 97-112.]
[35]	Wu ZK, Li ZM, Wang YH, Jiang YM, Li RX, Li DH, Zhou ZJ, Li LX (1993) Migration of black-necked crane in China. Acta Zoologica Sinica, 39, 105-106. (in Chinese)
	[吴至康, 李筑眉, 王有辉, 江亚猛, 李若贤, 李德浩, 周志军, 李来兴 (1993) 黑颈鹤迁徙研究初报. 动物学报, 39, 105-106.]
[36]	Yang F (2005) Survey summary of cranes and large waterfowls in Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau. In: Status and Conservation of Black-necked Cranes on the Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau, People’s Republic of China (eds Li FS, Yang XJ, Yang F), pp. 59-69. Yunnan Nationalities Publishing House, Kunming. (in Chinese)
	[杨芳 (2005) 云贵高原鹤类和大型水禽调查总结. 见: 云贵高原黑颈鹤的现状及保护(李凤山, 杨晓君, 杨芳主编),59-69云南民族出版社, 昆明.]
[37]	Yang F, Zhang YQ (2014) Quantities and distribution of the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) and other large waterfowl on the Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 80-84.
[38]	Yang JL, Huang HX, Guan YH (1992) Comparative study on ecological behavior of overwintering black-necked crane and common crane in Caohai. Environmental Protection and Technology, (2), 44-49. (in Chinese)
	[杨炯蠡, 黄鹤先, 管毓和 (1992) 草海黑颈鹤和灰鹤越冬期生态行为学的比较研究. 环保科技, (2), 44-49.]
[39]	Yang L, Cangjue ZM, Ji T, Yang M, Zhou SG, Li JC, Li LX (2011) A primary investigation of bird resource in drainage area of Yarlung Zangbo River and its two branches from Tibet, China. Sichuan Journal of Zoology, 30, 475-480. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[杨乐, 仓决卓玛, 纪托, 杨敏, 周曙光, 李建川, 李来兴 (2011) 西藏“一江两河”流域鸟类资源调查初报. 四川动物, 30, 475-480.]
[40]	Yang L, Li JR, Tsamchu D (2016) Number and distribution of wintering black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in drainage area of Yarlung Zangbo River and its two branches from Tibet, China. Journal of Northeast Forestry University, 44(5), 70-72, 83. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[杨乐, 李继荣, 仓决卓玛 (2016) 西藏“一江两河”流域越冬黑颈鹤种群数量及分布. 东北林业大学学报, 44(5), 70-72, 83.]
[41]	Zhang GG, Liu DP, Li FS, Qian FW, Ma T, Dan D, Lu J (2014) Species and populations of waterbirds wintering in the Yarlung Zangbo and its tributaries in Tibet, China. Zoological Research, 35(S1), 92-100.
[42]	Zhang T, Ma M, Zhang X, Zhang HB, Liu M, Ding P, Xu F (2012) Distribution and population size of black-necked cranes in autumn in east Kunlun and Altun Mountains, Xinjiang. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 47(6), 31-35. (in Chinese with English abstract)
	[张同, 马鸣, 张翔, 张会斌, 刘鸣, 丁鹏, 徐峰 (2012) 东昆仑-阿尔金山地区黑颈鹤种群分布与秋季数量变化. 动物学杂志, 47(6), 31-35.]

行政区划 Administrative divisions	地点 Location	调查日期 Date of survey	数量 Number
中国新疆 Xinjiang, China	且末县吐拉牧场 Tula Ranch, Qiemo County	2022.1.4-2022.1.5	44
中国西藏 Tibet, China	日喀则市桑珠孜区 Samzhubze District, Xigazê	2022.1.14, 2022.1.16	1,120
	日喀则市南木林县 Namling County, Xigazê	2022.1.14-2022.1.15	2,301
	日喀则市谢通门县 Xaitongmoin County, Xigazê	2022.1.16-2022.1.17	243
	日喀则市萨迦县 Sa’gya County, Xigazê	2022.1.17	139
	日喀则市拉孜县 Lhazê County, Xigazê	2022.1.17-2022.1.20	2,386
	日喀则市昂仁县 Ngamring County, Xigazê	2022.1.18	379
	日喀则市聂拉木县 Nyalam County, Xigazê	2022.1.21	9
	日喀则市定日县 Dinggyê County, Xigazê	2022.1.21	462
	拉萨市达孜区 Dagzê District, Lhasa	2022.1.8, 2022.1.12	26
	拉萨市林周县 Lhünzhub County, Lhasa	2022.1.9-2022.1.12	2,938
	拉萨市墨竹工卡县 Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa	2022.1.12	406
	拉萨市曲水县 Qüxü County, Lhasa	2022.1.25	5
	山南市贡嘎县 Gonggar County, Lhoka	2022.1.25-2022.1.26	121
	山南市扎囊县 Zhanang County, Lhoka	2022.1.25-2022.1.26	42
	林芝市米林县 Mainling County, Nyingchi	2022.3.3-2022.3.9	107-190
	林芝市波密县 Bomi County, Nyingchi	2022.3.3-2022.3.6	65
	林芝市巴宜区 Bayi District, Nyingchi	2022.3.7-2022.3.9	277
	林芝市工布江达县 Gongbo’gyamda County, Nyingchi	2022.3.9-2022.3.11	143
中国贵州 Guizhou, China	威宁草海 Caohai Lake, Weining County	2022.2.12-2022.2.16	2,210-2,230
中国云南 Yunnan, China	昭通大山包 Dashanbao, Zhaotong	2022.2.16-2022.2.18	1,664-1,732
	永善茂林 Maolin, Yongshan County	2022.2.18-2022.2.19	221
	会泽黑颈鹤国家级自然保护区 The Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve of Huize	2022.2.19-2022.2.25	1,006-1,056
	寻甸 Xundian County	2022.2.26	85
	纳帕海、普达措 Napa Lake and Podatso	2022.2.27	391
不丹旺度波德朗宗 Wangduephodrang, Bhutan	富吉-岗提格窝 Phobji-Gangtey	2022.1.1-2022.3.1	511
不丹旺度波德朗宗 Wangduephodrang, Bhutan	克特卡格窝 Khotokha		6
不丹布姆唐宗 Bumthang, Bhutan	楚美格窝 Chumey		7
不丹布姆唐宗 Bumthang, Bhutan	唐格窝 Tang		4
不丹扎西扬宗 Trashiyangtse, Bhutan	邦德林格窝 Bumdeling		70
不丹伦齐宗 Lhuentse, Bhutan	东嘎格窝 Dungkar		1

行政区划 Administrative divisions	地点 Location	调查日期 Date of survey	数量 Number
中国新疆 Xinjiang, China	且末县吐拉牧场 Tula Ranch, Qiemo County	2022.1.4-2022.1.5	44
中国西藏 Tibet, China	日喀则市桑珠孜区 Samzhubze District, Xigazê	2022.1.14, 2022.1.16	1,120
	日喀则市南木林县 Namling County, Xigazê	2022.1.14-2022.1.15	2,301
	日喀则市谢通门县 Xaitongmoin County, Xigazê	2022.1.16-2022.1.17	243
	日喀则市萨迦县 Sa’gya County, Xigazê	2022.1.17	139
	日喀则市拉孜县 Lhazê County, Xigazê	2022.1.17-2022.1.20	2,386
	日喀则市昂仁县 Ngamring County, Xigazê	2022.1.18	379
	日喀则市聂拉木县 Nyalam County, Xigazê	2022.1.21	9
	日喀则市定日县 Dinggyê County, Xigazê	2022.1.21	462
	拉萨市达孜区 Dagzê District, Lhasa	2022.1.8, 2022.1.12	26
	拉萨市林周县 Lhünzhub County, Lhasa	2022.1.9-2022.1.12	2,938
	拉萨市墨竹工卡县 Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa	2022.1.12	406
	拉萨市曲水县 Qüxü County, Lhasa	2022.1.25	5
	山南市贡嘎县 Gonggar County, Lhoka	2022.1.25-2022.1.26	121
	山南市扎囊县 Zhanang County, Lhoka	2022.1.25-2022.1.26	42
	林芝市米林县 Mainling County, Nyingchi	2022.3.3-2022.3.9	107-190
	林芝市波密县 Bomi County, Nyingchi	2022.3.3-2022.3.6	65
	林芝市巴宜区 Bayi District, Nyingchi	2022.3.7-2022.3.9	277
	林芝市工布江达县 Gongbo’gyamda County, Nyingchi	2022.3.9-2022.3.11	143
中国贵州 Guizhou, China	威宁草海 Caohai Lake, Weining County	2022.2.12-2022.2.16	2,210-2,230
中国云南 Yunnan, China	昭通大山包 Dashanbao, Zhaotong	2022.2.16-2022.2.18	1,664-1,732
	永善茂林 Maolin, Yongshan County	2022.2.18-2022.2.19	221
	会泽黑颈鹤国家级自然保护区 The Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve of Huize	2022.2.19-2022.2.25	1,006-1,056
	寻甸 Xundian County	2022.2.26	85
	纳帕海、普达措 Napa Lake and Podatso	2022.2.27	391
不丹旺度波德朗宗 Wangduephodrang, Bhutan	富吉-岗提格窝 Phobji-Gangtey	2022.1.1-2022.3.1	511
不丹旺度波德朗宗 Wangduephodrang, Bhutan	克特卡格窝 Khotokha		6
不丹布姆唐宗 Bumthang, Bhutan	楚美格窝 Chumey		7
不丹布姆唐宗 Bumthang, Bhutan	唐格窝 Tang		4
不丹扎西扬宗 Trashiyangtse, Bhutan	邦德林格窝 Bumdeling		70
不丹伦齐宗 Lhuentse, Bhutan	东嘎格窝 Dungkar		1