Jun 3, 2013 - 1 min read

The Tancho Crane Reserve in Kushiro

A glimpse of a natural monument

By R.S. Reynolds

Community writer

Young crane enjoying the spring in Kushiro

A Black Kite perches itself for a closer look

A little "neighborly tension" hangs in the air

At a time when its population was on the verge of extinction and whittled down to only a handful of birds, more than 10 Japanese Cranes were discovered in the marshlands of Kushiro in 1924. Since that time, efforts have been made to protect and increase their population. The Japanese Crane was officially recognized as a natural monument in 1952 and in 1958, the Tancho Japanese Crane Reserve was established. Today, the reserve is home to 20 cranes and provides both a habitat for propagation and an academic center for the continuing study of the species. The reserve also provides opportunities for visitors to guarantee themselves a glimpse of the impressive creatures and the possibility of viewing the young hatchlings in the spring.