Quantities and distribution of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) and other large waterfowl on the Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau

The survey of Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) and other large waterfowl conducted from 2002-2005 revealed the distribution and population of the Black-necked Crane wintering on the Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau. Ten years later, from January 17-20, 2013, Yunnan Forestry Department and International Crane Foundation collaborated again to explore the current status of the Black-necked Crane and other large waterfowl of the Yunnan and Guizhou Plateau. By using the method of synchronous counting, this survey recorded 3,919 (increased by 12.36% over 2003) Black-necked Cranes from 33 sites over 8 counties. Moreover, 1,475 Common Cranes (Grus grus), 7,178 Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) and 9,371 Ruddy Shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea) were recorded, increasing by 2, 3,223 and 1,903 individuals over 2003, respectively.