Red-crowned crane: Rare species hatches at Martin Mere

The red-crowned crane chick is currently on the endangered list

One of the rarest species of crane has hatched for the first time at a conservation site in Lancashire.

The endangered red-crowned crane chick was born at WWT Martin Mere Wetlands Centre in Burscough.

Nick Brooks, centre manager, said the successful hatching was a "great achievement" as previously-laid eggs had been infertile.

He added: "The parents are doing a great job feeding and protecting it, so there isn't much intervention needed."

The red-crowned crane, also known as the Japanese crane, or Grus japonensis, is currently on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species.

The breeding pair, which are both captive, were introduced to the site in 2017 and the chick is their first successful offspring.

Mr Brooks said: "We will be keeping an eye on the chick as it grows.

"We are currently giving it preventative treatment once a week, measuring, weighing and worming it."

The red-crowned crane

• The crane is monogamous and will usually find one partner which they will mate with for life

• They mate by synchronised dancing, which they will perform together over the years to strengthen their bond

• Usually, they will produce two eggs which will hatch in about 29 to 34 days

• Due to a loss in wetland habitat, there has been a decline in population over the years

Source: WWT Martin Mere Wetlands Centre

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