Leucogeranus

Leucogeranus is a genus of cranes in the family Gruidae. The genus currently comprises a single living species, Leucogeranus leucogeranus, commonly known as the Siberian crane or white crane. The name combines Greek leucos, meaning white, with geranos, meaning crane; the species epithet reiterates the white crane meaning. Some taxonomic authorities have placed the Siberian crane in the genus Grus, and classifications of cranes continue to be revised as new data become available.

Description and range: The Siberian crane is a large, predominantly white crane with black flight feathers and a red crown patch in adults. It breeds on the Arctic and subarctic wetlands of eastern Siberia and migrates to wintering grounds in southern Asia and parts of East Asia. It is among the most long-distance migratory cranes, undertaking extensive journeys between breeding and wintering habitats.

Habitat and diet: During the breeding season it favors shallow wetlands, marshes, and tundra ponds, while in winter it uses wetlands such as lagoons and paddy fields. Its diet is diverse and seasonally variable, consisting mainly of plant matter, seeds, and tubers, supplemented by small invertebrates.

Conservation: The Siberian crane is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Primary threats include wetland habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and disturbance along migratory routes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting critical wetlands, habitat restoration, international cooperation under frameworks such as AEWA and CMS, and, in some regions, captive breeding and release programs.