Managing Nature Reserves for Cranes in China

During the past 15 years, China has established more than 300 nature reserves. Many of the wetland reserves have been created primarily to protect endangered cranes. This paper summarizes the status of 22 nature reserves, 13 for breeding cranes and 9 for wintering cranes. The nature reserves have often been established in areas heavily populated or intensively used for economic purposes. Many reserves have been effective in stopping hunting of cranes. Taking of eggs or young has also been greatly reduced, but general human disturbances threaten successful nesting. Reserve authorities have also taken steps to prevent destruction or degradation of habitats, with mixed results. Nature reserve managers still cannot control most economic activities within reserve boundaries. North American conservationists have played an important role in assisting development of nature reserves. This paper suggests how North American approaches must be modified for China. In China, protective measures for reserves should be linked with compatible programs for local economic development. Preliminary efforts are described. Key Words': China, conservation, cranes, management, nature reserves, wetlands China is the third largest nation on earth, and has great ecological diversity. China's western regions are dominated by vast mountain ranges and arid plateaus, while deserts and grasslands span the northcentral regions. Forests, drained by some of earth's greatest rivers, range from stunted conifers in the far northeast to tropical rainforests in the far southwest. From a global conservation perspective, China has extraordinary importance. Aside from the sheer number of species represented (for example, China has 1,186 species of birds [Cheng 1987:xij), some of its plants and animals have worldwide fame, including the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), gingko (Gingko biloba), giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), Chinese river dolphin (Lipotes vexilli!er), Przewalski's horse (Equus caballus przewalskii), and redcrowned (Gms japonensis) and black-necked cranes (G. nigricol/is). China has special interest for crane enthusiasts. Eight of the world's 15 crane species reside here, more than in any other country. China's current human population of 1.2 billion has put great pressure on natural resources and wildlife. Even with a slowing in growth of the human population, the country's economic development will threaten wildlife and natural ecosystems without carefully planned, effective conservation programs. For example, 6 of China's 8 crane species are threatened or endangered (King 1981, Yang 1991). While the Chinese have long loved nature, conservation has a very recent history. The development of a system of nature reserves has been the primary undertaking for Chinese conservation. The first reserve, Dinghu Mountain Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province, was established in 1956. Through 1965, a total of 19 nature reserves were established, covering an area of 648,874 ha (Li and Zhao 1989:12). 1 PROC. NORTH AM. CRANE WORKSHOP 6:1-11 China's Cultural Revolution intervened. From 1966 to 1976, the country underwent continuous social and political upheavals. Scientific undertakings and conservation in particular came to a halt. The reserves ceased to function and some of them were damaged irreparably. Since 1976, however, a more stable government has recognized the dangers of uncontrolled population growth and resource exploitation. The establishment of nature reserves again became a priority. By 1981, 76 nature reserves existed in China. By the end of 1986, China had 333 nature reserves covering 19,330,000 ha. To protect the nation's biological diversity, the provinces have outlined plans for future nature reserves; by the year 2000, 500 should exist (Li and Zhao 1989:12-14). Creation of these nature reserves has been remarkably rapid. Creation is but the first step, however, and severe problems remain regarding human activities within the reserves. A future for cranes and other wildlife will be assured only when effective management programs are in place. This paper examines the successes and difficulties to date in developing functional nature reserves for cranes. As China lacks a practical tradition of wildlife protection, wildlife officials have looked to other countries for technical advice, inspiration, and financial support. North American conservation has provided a model for protection programs. This paper aims to assist North American conservationists who become involved in Chinese conservation, either through visits to China or through hosting Chinese delegations in America. North American approaches must be greatly modified to suit Chinese conditions. Thus cooperation should be a 2-way learning process. As we study with our Chinese colleagues, North Americans will gain a wider perspective that will benefit our own efforts close to home. 2 MANAGING CHINA'S RESERVES FOR CRANES' Harris Proe. North Am. Crane Workshop 6:1992 This paper is possible only because of the great kindness of my Chinese colleagues and hosts at the nature reserves, many of whom generously gave of their knowledge and insights_ I also thank my numerous interpreters who worked so hard to translate ideas new to them and difficult to understand even in the original language. Differences in culture and language undoubtedly have led to errors or misconceptions which are my own responsibility. I also wish to thank G. Archibald, J. Barzen, S. Bouffard, and T. Clark for reviewing this manuscript. My travels to China were supported by grants from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the Francis R. Dewing Foundation, contributions from members of the International Crane Foundation (ICF), and the Forestry and Environmental Protection Bureaus responsible for the nature reserves.