Distribution of the Red-crowned Crane in the World

Abstract

Globally, there are 15 different crane species, including the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis), and are distributed on all continents except South America and Antarctica. Many species of crane are threatened with extinction due to the destruction and reduction of their habitats. Males and females share similar plumage, but in general males are larger, and there is no change of color throughout the year. Cranes are omnivorous feeders. There are two isolated populations of G. japonensis in Northeastern Asia. The first is the Japanese nonmigratory population, mainly found on eastern Hokkaido Island. The second population is continental and migratory, breeding in North China and Russian Far East and migrating to the Korean Peninsula and the eastern coast of China during the winter. The distribution range of the Hokkaido population is progressively expanding; however, that of the migratory continental population has been greatly reduced. The total population worldwide is about 3000 individuals.