South Korea Names Hooded Crane as ‘Endangered Species of the Month’

hooded crane

SEOUL, Feb. 3 (Korea Bizwire) — The Ministry of Environment has designated the black crane or hooded crane (Grus monacha) as February’s “Endangered Species of the Month,” highlighting the growing conservation concerns surrounding the migratory bird, officials announced on Sunday.

Classified as a Level 2 endangered species in South Korea, the black crane breeds in Siberia and northeastern China before migrating south to spend the winter in South Korea, eastern China, and Japan.

Within South Korea, the species is commonly found in Suncheon Bay, Cheonsu Bay, and Cheorwon, where they gather in flocks during the winter months.

A Social and Vulnerable Species

Renowned for their strong social structure, black cranes exhibit cooperative behavior to enhance their survival. When one crane emits an alarm call, the entire flock raises its heads and prepares for flight in unison, showcasing their ability to communicate and respond collectively to threats.

The black crane is relatively small compared to other cranes that visit South Korea, measuring around 100 cm in length. Males typically weigh between 3 to 5 kg, while females weigh around 3 kg.

During the breeding season, they have an omnivorous diet, consuming fish, insects, aquatic plants, and berries. However, in wintering grounds such as South Korea, their diet mainly consists of grains like rice, along with plant stalks and roots.

Habitat and Food Shortages Threaten Population

The global black crane population is estimated to be between 6,000 and 15,000, placing it in a precarious position. The loss of coastal wetlands and the decline of rice farming have led to shrinking habitats and food shortages, posing significant challenges to their survival.

Recognizing these threats, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the black crane as “Vulnerable” (VU) on its Red List of Threatened Species, meaning it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

South Korea officially designated the species as a Level 2 endangered wildlife species in 2005, reinforcing conservation efforts to protect its habitats and ensure the species’ survival in the region.