Satellite tracking reveals a new migration route of black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Background The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a vulnerable species and the only species that lives in the plateau. Five migration routes of different populations have been identified, but for cranes wintering in Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet, the migration route and breeding/summering area are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal migration patterns of black-necked cranes in this area and to identify important areas for conservation. Methods In 2016, we fitted seven black-necked cranes in Nyingchi with GPS-GSM satellite transmitters to record their migration routes. We used ArcGIS 10.2 to visualize important stopover sites and the ‘ggplot’ function in R to analyze the migration patterns. Results From March 2016 to May 2019, we recorded nine spring migration and four autumn migration tracks from five individuals. Four individuals spent the breeding/summering season in Qinghai Lake, while the other spent the breeding/summering season in the Jinzihai Wetland of Dulan County, Qinghai Province. Detailed spatio-temporal information showed that the spring migration lasted 8.7 ± 4.6 days and covered 1,182.5 ± 90.4 km, while the autumn migration lasted 30 ± 10.6 days and covered 1,455.7 ± 138 km. Basom Lake and the Shazhuyu River were the most important stopover sites during the spring and autumn migrations, respectively. The cranes spent 4.4 ± 3.7 days in Basom Lake and 26.3 ± 10.7 days in the Shazhuyu River. The black-necked cranes mainly migrated during the daytime (>85 % of the fly points), and 81 % (17/21) of all stopover and roosting sites were in the valley or at lakeside swamps. Only 17.7% (516 / 2,914) of the data points for stopover and roosting sites were in protected areas. Main conclusions Our study revealed the breeding/summering areas and migration routes of the black-necked cranes wintering in Nyingchi. These results contribute to a better understanding of the annual spatio-temporal migration patterns and the development of conservation plans for this vulnerable species.

Autumn migration of black‐necked crane (Grus nigricollis) on the Qinghai‐Tibetan and Yunnan‐Guizhou plateaus

“…Occasionally, some species, such as the Red‐crowned Cranes ( G. japonensis ), can be sedentary in Hokkaido (Masatomi & Masatomi, 2018). Previous studies on the migration routes of black‐necked cranes have primarily focused on the Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau or the eastern and northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, revealing the southward routes to the lower latitude wintering areas during autumn migration (see the gray and red dashed lines in Figure 2; Archibald, 2005; Liu et al, 2012; Qian et al, 2009; Wang, Guo, et al, 2020; Wang, Mi, & Guo, 2020; Yang et al, 2005). In our study, we found that black‐necked cranes migrated at a smaller scale (~1520 km) compared to those crane species, perhaps due to their limited suitable habitat in central Asian uplands.…”

“…To address this issue, we propose implementing regular patrols (at least 36 days) at these important sites during autumn migration and increasing education efforts to raise animal protection awareness among visitors Wang, Mi, & Guo, 2020).…”

“…The significant altitude ascent perhaps influenced the stopover decision for the breeding colonies in the Qilian Mountains (along ② YCW‐PVLR and ⑤ QMQL‐NYTR; Figures 2 and 3). Moreover, the Himalayas as a geographical barrier, might force some flocks to detour along river valleys in alternative orientations (along ⑧ LM‐ and ⑨ SYTR‐MYTR; Figure 2; Hahn et al, 2014), or follow other routes offering wetland areas for feeding and resting (along ⑦ PT‐MYTR; Figure 2; Wang, Mi, & Guo, 2020). However, the Himalayas did not deter all black‐necked cranes, as previous studies have recorded an alternate wintering strategy of crossing the Himalayas and overwintering on the southern slopes (Mahar et al, 2022).…”

A Nomogram-Based Risk Classification System Predicting the Overall Survival of Childhood with Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney Based on the SEER Database

“…Subsequently, these independent risk factors were applied to construct a nomogram for the prediction of 3- and 5-year OS of CCSK patients. The nomogram was established using regression modeling strategies (BMS) in R package and visualized using ggplot [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Tracking Migration of Eastern Spot-Billed Ducks Anas zonorhyncha and Mallards Anas platyrhynchos Wintering in Shanghai, China

“…The development of satellite tracking technology has made it possible to conduct long-term studies providing accurate and detailed spatial data on the migration of large waterbirds, such as White-naped Cranes ( Grus vipio ), Black-necked Cranes ( Grus nigricollis ), and Whooper Swans ( Cygnus cygnus ; Higuchi et al 1996; Wang et al 2020; Wang et al 2020; Ao et al 2020). In addition, the development of lighter satellite transmitters has recently allowed this technique to be used to study wild ducks (Takekawa et al 2010; Wang et al 2018).…”