Habitat requirements and management for Siberian cranes at Momoge, China

Liu Chunyue

The Siberian crane is listed as a critically endangered by IUCN. In recent years, over 80% of the world’s population of Siberian crane used Momoge wetlands for 1.5 months during the migration season. Due to water shortage and human activities, the area of habitat suitable to the species has decreased to less than 5,000 hectares and it is still undergoing degradation and loss. This study aims to determine the habitat requirements (water level, aquatic food plants, and human disturbances) for the species based on field surveys at different migration stages. Combined with community participation, a management proposal will be developed for maintaining stability of the wetland ecosystem, benefiting water-birds and local communities.