At the beginning of 2022, Zarubezhneft summarized the results of activities carried out in 2021 as part of the "Conservation of Biological Diversity and Development of Ecological Tourism" federal project under the "Ecology" National Project, specifically regarding the conservation and restoration of the West Siberian population of the Siberian crane (white crane).
Thanks to financial support from Zarubezhneft, our colleagues from the Oka Nature Reserve and VNII Ecology managed to complete almost all planned activities for 2021. Given that we were in the initial stage of project implementation, significant construction work lay ahead. Key production facilities at the Rare Crane Species Breeding Center, based at the Oka State Nature Reserve, were renovated: the water supply system, boiler room, and feed kitchen were repaired; the winter enclosure for cranes was restored and insulated; a diesel generator was purchased to ensure the uninterrupted operation of equipment and incubators; and a van-type vehicle was acquired for operational needs. Measures were also taken to prepare breeding pairs, resulting in 5 chicks. These chicks are being raised at the Oka State Nature Reserve breeding center, and three year-old chicks born last year were released into the wild in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
Additionally, through the coordinated efforts of the Oka Nature Reserve and VNII Ecology, a pilot expedition to Yakutia was conducted to collect Siberian crane eggs from the wild to enhance the genetic diversity of the captive population at the Oka Nature Reserve's Rare Crane Species Breeding Center. The expedition successfully collected three wild Siberian crane eggs, from which two chicks hatched, though only one proved viable. This experience highlights the complexity of reintroducing rare and endangered species.
Another significant planned activity for 2021 was the organization of an alternative wintering site for Siberian cranes in Uzbekistan. However, this proved unfeasible in 2021 due to the need for fieldwork in the border zone between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, where a complex military and political situation arose following the transition of power in Afghanistan to the Taliban (an organization banned in the Russian Federation). Consequently, it was decided to postpone the planned work until the situation stabilizes, and the allocated funds will be redirected toward genetic research of both captive and wild Siberian crane populations.