English: Siberian Crane, Siberian White Crane, Great White Crane
Russian: Стерх
German: Schneekranich
French: Grue de Siberie
Mongolian: Цагаан тогоруу
Japanese: ソデグロヅル (Sodeguro-zuru)

Status: Very rare species. According to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the species evaluated as-Critically Endangered.

Distribution and Range: The Siberian White Crane breeds along the middle of the Obi River and the north-eastern part of Yakutia, Russia. In Yakutia its distribution area spans over large territory between Yanoi River and Alaze River to the east. The species winter at the estuary of the Khokh River in China. In Mongolia: A rare summer resident, passage migrant. It was recorded along the Buur and Tari Lakes, and Bukheg River basin. Summer resident along the Ulz River in 1981 and 1988, and Ogii Lake in 1994. In summers of the last 5 years 8-10 individuals have been sighted several times at the Binder Lake and its surrounding areas.

Habitat: The preferred nesting habitat Yakutian tundra was found to consist of biotope of several small and big lakes with damp polygonal tundra and is surrounded with coniferous forests. In Mongolia, arrives end of April, beginning of May, the non-breeding resting areas and stopovers on migration tend to consist of large, isolated wetlands.

Population and Threats: It is estimated that there are 840 birds in Yakutia and 50 along the Obi River. Very rarely seen in Mongolia. In 1994, only 5 were recorded near Ogii Lake, one of which was a juvenile Spends summer in Mongolia, therefore disturbances from livestock and humans in the distribution area.

Conservation Measures:  Hunting prohibited since 1995. Included as very rare animal in the Mongolian Law on Fauna, CITES Annex I, CMS Annex I and II, the Mongolian Red Book (1987, 1997), and the Asia Red Data Book for Birds(2001). The habitat is partially included within the National Specially Protected Area Network (NSPAN).

Further Actions: Improve distribution area according the requirements of the appropriate laws and conventions; implement public awareness programmes.