Abstract
The study was the first attempt to identify the habitat use pattern of red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) around the demilitarized zone (DMZ) by overlapping coordinates with the land cover classification (LCC). Daily habitat use pattern was highly different (P = 0.000) between daytime (06:00–18:00) and nighttime (18:00–06:00). Cranes in Cheolwon used agricultural paddies more frequently in the daytime (P = 0.002), and forest areas at night and this indicated that cranes presumably use rice paddies for feeding and forests for resting, respectively. Cranes night time in Paju used wetlands more often than random expectation based on the available wetland surface area (P = 0.017). This indicated a different habitat use pattern between coastal (Paju) and inland (Cheolwon) areas. Securing agricultural paddies is important for providing crucial areas for feeding, and forests should be important for rest during the night time in Cheolwon, which support crane populations during their wintering migration in Korea.
Highlights
Cranes of the genus Grus are listed as some of the most endangered bird species in the world
In the south of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) there is CCZ (Civilian Control Zone) only in the South Korean side, and cranes spend 60–80% of their time in the fields searching for food and feeding [3], indicating the importance of foraging in winter
Crane migration routes in Korea can be either to the east coastal areas of the Paju area or to the Cheolwon area. These results are consistent with previous studies of migration routes in the Korean peninsula [14]
Summary
Cranes of the genus Grus are listed as some of the most endangered bird species in the world. Earlier reviews of biodiversity conservation in rice paddy areas have mostly focused on the value of rice fields as providers of wetland habitats, which support the biodiversity. The study of these birds’ migration routes and habitats has recently advanced due to the use of transmitters that can be tracked by satellite [7,8,9]. Based on crane migration studies, securing wetland reserves is an important method and it is especially true in areas surrounded by agricultural paddies. The results will help to enhance crane conservation in the DMZ
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