A BIRTH THAT SYMBOLIZES HOPE FOR A VULNERABLE SPECIES, TESTED BY HABITAT CHANGE AND NATURAL ADVERSITIES
An incredible birth amidst storms and fallen trees
Al Parco Natura Viva a little girl was born in Bussolengo antigone cranea considered species vulnerable fromInternational Union for Conservation of Nature. This chick overcame challenges that seemed insurmountable even before it hatched: two strong storms and a fallen tree next to the nest they had made people fear the worst.
But the determination of his parents allowed this precious birth, contributing to the conservation of the highest flying bird in existence, threatened by the loss of natural habitats.
The strength of the crane pair and the resilience of the nest
The pair’s first nesting attempt was destroyed by a violent storm. There The couple, however, did not give up: it built a second nest, this time much larger, reaching two meters in diameter. The new nest resisteddespite another storm knocking down a tree nearby. The parents were not discouraged, they carefully hatched the eggs, without ever abandoning the nest, demonstrating extraordinary resistance.
«The first attempt to have chicks for this couple was interrupted due to a strong storm that destroyed the nest», spiega da Ulaanbataar Caterina Spiezioresponsible for the research and conservation sector of the Parco Natura Viva of Bussolengo, engaged in the definition of a collaboration agreement with the Khorat Zoo of Thailand precisely for the safeguard of this kind.”
«We were already resigned to waiting for the next breeding season – he continues -, when we realized that the two cranes did not give up. And they built another nest, much larger, which reached two meters in diameter. Not only that: they laid two eggs, incubating them with extreme collaboration. But the second storm came, knocking down a tree right next to the nest. For days the parents appeared attentive and ready to react at the first noise. They kept getting up but never left the hatch, until this beautiful chick was born».
The importance of conservation
A success also for the staff, who helped them in all phases to clean the department avoiding any form of disturbance. To find out the sex of the little Antigone crane we will have to wait until DNA analysis through the feathers but in the meantime, waiting to start taking on the appearance of a young one, the chick still hastily walks behind mum and dad in search of vegetation and aquatic invertebrates. Until, exhausted by the great commitment, he falls asleep among the leaves of the grove which camouflage it perfectly.
A precious birth for the highest flying bird in existence, threatened by the conversion of wetlands into intensive agricultural crops between Asia and Australia. And from Mongolia, where the staff is located to bring the contribution of Parco Natura Viva to 17esimo Asian Society Conservation Medicine Conferencenews arrives of the reintroduction of young specimens into Vietnam thanks to breeding in zoological parks and breeding centers in Thailand.
Threats and challenges for the Antigone crane
Deeply linked to aquatic ecosystems, the first threat to this species is the conversion of wetlands into vast agricultural areas. In particular, between India and South-East Asia, habitat loss is due to intensive cultivation of soybeans or sugar cane. While in Australia, where the population is migratory, the greatest danger comes from the disturbance caused by electrical infrastructures and land consumption.
The resilience shown by the pair of cranes at Parco Natura Viva is an example. Every little crane that is born is a step forward in the fight against extinction, and this chick, which came into the world despite storms and obstacles, is living testimony of this.
