The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is pleased to join with Dr. Alexander Sorokin and colleagues from the All Russian Research Institute for Nature Protection. (ARRINP) to conduct a project to teach Siberian Cranes (Grus leucogeranus) a migration route across Central Asia using hang glider technology.

The magnificent Siberian Crane is highly revered in many cultures and has inspired diverse people to work together to ensure its survival. The Central Asian population numbers perhaps 20 birds and is critically endangered. The survival of this large, white bird depends on the ability of humans to develop techniques to release captive birds to bolster the dwindling wild populations. Corresponding efforts are underway to protect critical habitat and reduce threats to survival. Conservation Plans have been developed for the species by the 10 range states under the Convention on Migratory Species Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures for the Siberian Crane (CMS MoU). Conservation efforts for this species have been enhanced for over 15 years through endorsement under the auspices of the Area V of the U.S.-Russia Environmental Agreement.

The goal of the Project is to adapt techniques successfully used to teach endangered Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) a migration route in the United States by leading them behind an ultralight aircraft. The Project will combine the ultralight techniques with the free flight of a hang glider to teach the endangered Siberian Cranes in Asia to migrate across Central Asia. The goal this year is to cover part of the migration route between Kunovat, Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Siberian Cranes produced in captivity at the Oka Biosphere Reserve southeast of Moscow will be imprinted on both hang gliders and ultra-light planes and trained to fly behind these two aircraft. They will be transferred to Kushavat near the Kunovat Nature Reserve in western Siberia for intense training and led south along a part of their arduous 5,500 km migration route.

Cranes normally fly in the middle of the day by soaring in thermals to high elevations and coasting to the next thermal. Current ultralight-led migrations require cranes to expend high levels of energy to "flap" fly behind the wing of the ultralight in the still air of early mornings. To better simulate natural flight patterns, ICF supports experimentation with hang glider led migrations. The valuable contacts developed with Angelo D'Arrigo, world-renowned hang gliding specialist, provide a unique opportunity. By extending Angelo's extensive experiments and expertise in flying with birds of prey, it will be possible to improve human ability to simulate the natural flight of cranes. Angelo's skill should enable the Project Team to fly greater distances each day and to cover the extreme distances of the migration route of these Arctic-nesting birds. The Project Team will ultimately need to cover nearly ¼ of the globe in free flight with the hang glider, the longest flight of this kind in history.

ICF is a world-renowned leader in the conservation and protection of cranes and the wetland and grassland ecosystems on which they depend. Formed in 1973, ICF has developed and is involved with crane conservation programs on all five continents that have cranes. In addition to its expertise and knowledge of cranes and their ecology, ICF has demonstrated multiple successes in bringing together People of many cultures and nations to achieve a common goal - preservation of cranes in harmony with the people with whom they share this world. ICF is a world leader in the development of captive breeding and reintroduction techniques for cranes. ICF oversees implementation of the Conservation Plans developed under the CMS MoU. We have conducted activities under US - Russia Environmental Agreement for 25 years.

The All Russian Research Institute for Nature Protection has been a leader in crane conservation and research for decades. They have conducted research on the behavior and ecology of the Siberian Crane, discovered previously unknown breeding and migratory habitat, successfully protected and managed key wetlands, engaged local communities in conservation, and conducted 10 years of reintroduction programs.

Source: International Crane Foundation