ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF CRANES IN THE NORTH OF THE MINUSINSK BASIN

Abstract

Four species of cranes (grey, black, white cranes and the Demoiselle Crane) live within the island steppes and forest-steppes (Achinsk, Nazarovsk and Iussk forest-steppes, Shirinsk and Dzhirimsk steppes) of the northern part of the Minusinsk depression. All these species are enlisted in the Red books of the Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Republic of Khakassia, and the last three are included in the Red book of the Russian Federation. The grey crane population inhabiting the Achinsk forest-steppe and Shirinsk steppe is in a relatively stable state. It is currently estimated at 3,500 – 4,500 individuals. The population of black crane is in a critical condition. The number of birds in the traditional places of its accumulation decreased to a minimum, whereas several decades ago, up to 70 or more birds gathered there. The condition of the well-to-do population of the Demoiselle Crane has deteriorated in the recent years (2017-2019). As a result, the premigratory flocks of birds have significantly decreased in the area of Lake Bele, and they disappeared completely in the territory of Lake Chernoye. Sometimes the white crane is marked as a bird of passage. The necessity to preserve cranes in the region remains relevant and is determined by the high level of threats associated with the transformation of the habitat and the increased factor of concern. There are not enough active specially protected natural areas (SPNA). There is a need to create new specially protected natural areas for the protection of cranes.

Keywords

• monitoring
• cranes
• protected areas
• protection of rare species
• regional red books