Common Crane, Lake Hornborgasjön, Sweden
Source: S Karlsson, WWF
The common crane (Grus grus) has declined considerably in many of its original European habitats during the last 300 years. Due to protection measures, the central European population has stabilised since the 1960s, but species numbers are probably still declining in the east (see Map 9.14). As a wetland species roosting sites are located at shallow lakes, lagoons, rivers and bogs the common crane is vulnerable to land drainage and has suffered from substantial destruction of its habitat. Other threats include human disturbances, collision with power-lines and hunting (mainly in southeastern Europe). The reintroduction and maintenance of low-intensity agriculture such as in Spain's dehesas (see Chapter 8) will play a crucial role for the species' long-term survival (Tucker and Heath, 1994). Map 9.14 - Distribution of the common crane (Grus grus) Source: EBCC/EOAWG, personal communication
Due to protection measures, the central European population has stabilised since the 1960s, but species numbers are probably still declining in the east (see Map 9.14). As a wetland species roosting sites are located at shallow lakes, lagoons, rivers and bogs the common crane is vulnerable to land drainage and has suffered from substantial destruction of its habitat. Other threats include human disturbances, collision with power-lines and hunting (mainly in southeastern Europe). The reintroduction and maintenance of low-intensity agriculture such as in Spain's dehesas (see Chapter 8) will play a crucial role for the species' long-term survival (Tucker and Heath, 1994).
Source: EBCC/EOAWG, personal communication