Natural History Wanderings

CNN Science reported

But Rich Beilfuss, CEO of the ICF, which works to protect the Siberian crane, said there might still be a bird in Iran, but the western population of Siberian cranes is now “functionally extinct,” impacted by hunting and development.

The species is classified as critically endangered and its survival now depends solely on its eastern populations. Fortunately, thanks to conservation efforts, these are thriving. According to the ICF, in 2015, their numbers were estimated at less than 3,500 birds. Now, it believes there are almost 7,000.

Read more at Siberian crane: Back from the brink | CNN