Cranes are dissociable, harmless, beautiful and lovely birds that collectively sing a stunning song while flying. They perform duet dance in the sky. They do not cause disturbances for people and farmers, nor do they expect humans to help them. They avoid people and die of sorrow when they cannot migrate because of diseases.
In recent years, these birds have been severely threatened and slaughtered by some Iranians. For this reason, the White Siberian Crane has been introduced as an internationally endangered species.
Various protection programmes are being implemented in 17 countries of the region, including Iran, to preserve them.
Reza Mirzaee, Director General for Environmental Protection of Iran’s Markazi province says “one of the most prominent environmental features of the Meighan wetland is that it is among 22 international famous wetlands. It has also been a habitat for many native and migratory birds in the past and present. The plains and lands around the lagoon are one of the most important gray crane habitats.”
“Every year, with the changing weather conditions in late October, migratory birds migrate from Siberia to the Meighan wetland of Arak. Arak’s Meighan wetland is now witnessing the presence of small and large bird species.”
“Some migratory birds remain in this lagoon until spring, but some leave the area with the first heavy snowfall and migrate to the tropical southern regions,” he added.
