The number of wintering hooded cranes at Suncheonman Wetland increased by about 33 percent year on year, with wintering areas expanding across major wetlands along Korea’s south coast. The wintering range of hooded cranes has expanded from Suncheonman Wetland to surrounding areas, including Boseong, Goheung, Yeosu, Gwangyang, and Hadong, forming a habitat network along the south coast. The cranes are now distributed across multiple coastal wetlands during the winter season.
According to the winter bird census conducted in December by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, approximately 9,700 hooded cranes were recorded nationwide. Of these, about 8,100 were observed at Suncheonman Wetland, while around 1,000 were counted at Yeojaman Bay.
The number of hooded cranes at Suncheonman Wetland rose by about 33 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing wetland restoration and habitat expansion efforts. Suncheonman Wetland and Yeojaman Bay feature adjacent tidal flats, wetlands, and farmland, providing suitable conditions for feeding and resting during the winter period.
The winter bird census is conducted annually by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the National Institute of Biological Resources to monitor migratory bird populations at major wetlands and to support conservation and habitat management policies.
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Source: Suncheon City Office© Korea.info