For the first time in Korea researchers have succeeded in artificially hatching the endangered species Grus japonensis, commonly known as the Red-crowned Crane. There are 15 species of cranes in the world, nine of which are on the verge of extinction.
A team of biologists at Kyungpook National University announced on Thursday that two eggs laid by one of the two crane couples donated last October by Japan's Okayama Prefecture were successfully hatched through artificial insemination. The eggs hatched one each on June 24 and 25.
For six years the team has focused its research on the Red-crowned Crane's ecological environment and artificial hatching. They hope to hatch more eggs, both artificially and naturally, with an aim to increase the Red-crowned Crane population by 100 to 200 in the next 10 years. The birds will be returned to nature, where the scientists will continue to monitor their migratory routes and habitats.
Red-crowned Cranes are a globally endangered species, with a worldwide population of only 2,500. They are Korea's natural treasure No. 202.
