LB 5-32 - Changes in the core habitat of White-naped Crane in the Western DMZ of the Korean Peninsula

Background/Question/Methods:

This study aimed to identify how the core areas of the White-naped crane (VU, Antigone vipio), the globally endangered species, changed throughout the winters of 2014 to 2020. Based on a weekly survey, including GPS recording from October to March, the core area, defined as the 50% isopleth, occupied by the White-naped crane was analyzed with kernel density estimators.

Results/Conclusions:

In October, when the cranes migrated to the wintering site, the core areas increased by as much as 12 times over the past six years. In March, when leaving for breeding sites, the core areas decreased. The maximum monthly population in the study site showed a steady increase; however, the flocks which were originally divided into two or more groups tend to gather into one group. Also, the cranes stayed in the middle of land in the past but they tended to stay near the riverine in 2020. Land cover changes and the increase of disturbance could be a reason. A significant increase in artificial structures for agriculture was found and the cumulative area of artificial structures increased by about 1.5 times over the past six years.