However, the number of Afrotropical species such as the rare black-crowned crane (Balearica pavonina) are dwindling.

The rare Siberian cranes used to winter in this park but this central population of Siberian Cranes is now extinct.

In the case of the rare hooded crane, the introduction of a foreign herpes virus has threatened the remaining wild population.

It is the second rarest crane in the world after the North American Whooping Crane.

IS the war in Afghanistan endangering one of the few remaining flocks of the rare Siberian crane?

In the reserve regions are dwelling 13 different types of cranes including the rare red-crowned crane and 181 other water birds such as swans, wild goose, white storks and mandarin ducks.

It's a breeding ground for thousands of wild geese, gulls, cormorants, sandpipers, extremely rare black-necked cranes and other bird species.

It was a never before treat as the rare migratory cranes had come to the state after a five-year hiatus.

Nearby Attractions At the International Crane Foundation, E-11376 Shady Lane Road, (608) 356-9462, rare cranes can be seen hatching, calling and living more or less in the wild.

The jewel-like Caohai Lake ; Cǎohǎi Hú; Grass Sea Lake) is the area's main draw and one of China's premier sites for seeing wintering migratory birds, especially the rare black-necked crane.