The current state of the Demoiselle crane population in the Transural steppe

Abstract

The Demoiselle crane population was studied in the southern Chelyabinsk region (52°12′N; 60°21′E) during 1988–2008. Counts of nesting pairs were annually conducted over an area of 100–130 km2 in May. The number of breeding pairs varied from 6.5 to 9.5 per 100 km2; on average, there were 8 pairs per 100 km2 during 1989–1991. In 2000–2008, the population density increased from 7.5 to 12 pairs per 100 km2, on average, 9.3 pairs per 100 km2. Demoiselle crane nesting in steppe pastures and perennial grass fields has been rarely observed for the last decade. Now the main nesting biotopes of the species are stubble fields accounting for up to 70% of all nidification cases documented. The decline in agricultural production in recent decades has resulted in the appearance of long-fallow lands, in which 17 to 35% crane pairs nest.