The crane trust plans to develop a broader system of research, because of expansion and remodeling of its research buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey's Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center in Jamestown, N.D., is working on placing 50 satellite bands on cranes and tracking where they're going. Batteries in the satellite tags work for up to two years. An annual survey in February revealed that 185 wild whooping cranes were present at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf coast of Texas, the crane trust's most recent newsletter said. By banding whooping cranes, scientists can track where they die and the cause of death.
Research is necessary because of changing habitat conditions.
Corn is one component in a crane's diet. Twenty years ago, cranes were staying within 3.5 miles of the river. Now they're within 10 to 12 miles of the river. Post your thoughts in The Public Forum. All rights reserved.