Japanese Cranes of the Hokkaido Wetlands
Birds

by

I.M. Spadecaller

Japanese Cranes of the Hokkaido Wetlands
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Japanese Cranes of the Hokkaido Wetlands
The Japanese crane, also known as the red-crowned crane, is a graceful endangered bird, mostly found in the Hokkaido region, Japan.Two thousand varieties of animals and plants live in the Hokkaido marshes, including Hokkaido deer and the white-tailed sea eagle. In summer, a vast array of wild flowers bloom, while in winter it is home to Japanese cranes, a designated special natural monument. Tancho, as the crane is also known in Japan, symbolize longevity, good luck and happiness. Paradoxically, the Red-crowned crane had faced near extinction. Once abundant, this bird, was valued for its meat and reserved for emperors. Following the lifting of feudal restrictions, armed hunters hastily targeted the cranes. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the cranes were nearly extinct. Miraculously, a small resident population had retreated to the marshes of eastern Hokkaido and survived the plundering. The second blight on the crane's longevity came with the rapid loss of its breeding grounds, as a result of widespread land development. By 1949 there were an estimated 35 -36 surviving birds. In the 1950's, residents finally awoke to the plight and the charm of these sacred birds and an arduous effort to protect them commenced. Quite justifiably, cranes, conservationists, and researchers can now celebrate their long life, happiness, and success in rising almost phoenix-like from the ashes of what 100 years ago seemed a doomed population. There are more than 2,000 red-crowned cranes worldwide and half of them are found in Japan. Their survival is still precarious and ongoing efforts to protect the red-crowned crane will need to continue.
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artsandi
artsandi ::
March 11, 2017
Stunning - Favorite

spadecaller
spadecaller ::
March 13, 2017
Thanks Sandi!

PaulCoco
PaulCoco ::
March 12, 2017
You've outdone yourself. Magnificent work in every respect.

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