The remaining Siberian crane from a historic western population that bred in western Russia and winters in Iran has returned once again on November 21 to Fereydunkenar, a city in Northern Iran, on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
The lonely Siberian crane, of a species on the brink of extinction, has been named ‘Omid’ (Persian for ‘Hope’) by the locals. His return this year has caused much happiness and hope among the environmentalists and birdwatchers alike.
Each year, Omid flies a long distance from his birthplace in Siberia through Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to land in Mazandaran and winter for about four months in Fereydunkenar wetlands. Omid has been migrating alone since 2007.
The Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) is critically endangered mainly due to poaching, with approximately 3,600 remaining in the wild.
The Environmental Protection Organization of Mazandaran Province, with the help from local community, has been taking measures to protect this valuable, critically endangered bird.
Fereydunkenar wetland on the Caspian Sea has one of the richest ecosystems among the northern cities of Iran and hosts thousands of migratory birds each year, including various types of coots, ducks, herons, grebes, and swans.
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