Rarest crane

The Siberian crane Leucogeranus leucogeranus is estimated to number little more than 3,000 birds in total, of which only about 10 specimens still exist in Siberia itself. It is categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Two populations exist – one in the Arctic tundra of eastern Russia, and one in the Arctic tundra of western Russia (of which only 10 or so still survive). The eastern population migrates to China during the winter, with 95% of that population residing in China's Poyang Lake basin during that period, but as this region is vulnerable to changes relating to the Three Gorges Dam, their future is not secure there. The western population has traditionally overwintered in Iran but formerly in Nepal and India too.

This species' decline began in the 20th century, caused by hunting occurring along their migration routes, and habitat degradation too. The western population is all but extirpated – in 2002, only four specimens were recorded, and it was thought to have become extinct. Prior to the 20th century, however, this population was much larger, and may have overwintered as far west as Egypt.