Whooping cranes have been all but wiped out in North America through hunting and disease, but now conservationists have tried to boost numbers with a hand rearing programme at a refuge in Wisconsin.
But having been born in captivity the birds don't understand how to migrate south to escape the harsh winter weather.
Ever since they were hatched, they've been tricked into believing this featherless microlight is the parent they should follow by playing recordings of simulated crane calls.
When the aircraft takes off the flock follow in a replica of what nature had intended.
Over a period of three months the birds trail behind the microlight for a distance of more than 1,250 miles from the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin to the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge on the west coast of Florida.
So, my question is "Wouldn't it have been easier to fly out the eggs to Florida and hatch them out there ?
2 comments:
YES.
You never know, one year they might just fly off on their own.Somehow, they will know it's that time when they have to go.
Biological clocks !!!
Now there's another idea for a post.
Thanks Annette.
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