World Natural Heritage Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve, First Observation of 601 Hooded Cranes

Over 600 Hooded Cranes Observed in a Large Group for the First Time Since Suncheonman Survey

Residents Welcome as an Auspicious Sign Bringing Luck and Happiness Ahead of Suncheonman International Garden Expo

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) announced on the afternoon of the 19th that 601 Hooded Cranes, the city bird of Suncheon, were first observed at Suncheon Bay.

This is the first time since the Hooded Crane survey at Suncheon Bay that a large group of over 600 birds has arrived.

The Hooded Cranes, having completed their long-distance migration, are resting and feeding while preening their feathers on the mudflats.

Upon hearing the news of the Hooded Cranes' arrival, residents are hurrying their harvests and actively preparing to install fences to block vehicle lights and engage in migratory bird guardian activities.

Meanwhile, starting next month, Suncheon City will begin a research project on management plans for the Hooded Crane habitat at Suncheon Bay.

The project will analyze the changing habitat conditions and food sources of Hooded Cranes domestically and internationally, investigate the ecological carrying capacity of Suncheon Bay, and use GPS trackers to understand the spatial and temporal movement patterns and stopover site information of the Hooded Cranes to establish detailed management plans.

Additionally, conservation measures will be prepared for internationally protected species such as the Whooper Swan, Oriental Stork, Black-faced Spoonbill, and shorebirds.

Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu of Suncheon said, “The Hooded Crane, the city bird of Suncheon, is a good omen symbolizing luck, longevity, and family love,” adding, “Ahead of the 2023 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo, the Hooded Crane, a flagship species of Suncheon Bay, will bring luck and happiness to visitors to Suncheon.”

The Hooded Crane, Natural Monument No. 228, has a global population of 17,000 to 18,000, of which about 8,000, or 40%, use Suncheon Bay as a wintering and stopover site.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr