Red-crowned cranes threatenedby | 23-08-2011 19:47 |
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 Korea has long served as the wintering ground for red-crowned cranes. However, the number of red-crowned cranes migrating to Korea has been decreasing recently. In fact, the red-crowned cranes are also having a hard time in their summer breeding place, the wetland in the Amur basin, which is under the threat of drainage. Triggered by climate change, wetlands are falling under the danger of desertification, and as a result, biodiversity in wetland is seriously intimidated. Many endangered species such as red-crowned cranes breed and feed on wetlands. Unfortunately, valuable wetlands are being dried up due to desertification. According to Dr. Ki- Sup Lee, the representative of Korea Crane network, the flooded basin of the Amur has dried up completely in just 4 years. This resulted in desertification of the surrounding wetland area, which used to serve as a summer breeding place for red- crowned cranes. As wetlands get drained, the wildlife that resides on them faces grave danger. Without doubt, cranes are not free from the intimidation as well. Prolonged drought negatively affects the reproductive success of red-crowned cranes and other water birds. Since they feed on aquatic organisms like frogs and loaches, abundant water supply to the breeding areas is critical for successful reproduction. If climate change continues at the current pace, wetland species including cranes cannot but fall under a significant threat. Source: Harbinger newspaper Dongkyun Kim |
