Researchers in Xianghai Nature Reserve in northeast China's Jilin Province have artificially bred 22 endangered red-crowned cranes since March, bringing their population in the reserve to 71.

"This is a record increase," said Lin Baoqing, who is responsible for breeding of cranes and other birds in the reserve, Monday. The reserve previously bred about 10 red-crowned cranes annually.

Lin attributed the achievement to the rising population of red-crowned cranes and improvements in breeding technology.

"It's possible we will breed 30 more next year."

Xianghai, with a total area of about 100,000 hectares, is a major habitat for wild cranes, boasting six of the nine existing species of cranes in China.

Lin said the reserve was second only to Zhalong Nature Reserve in neighboring Heilongjiang Province, which boasts some 200 artificially-bred red-crowned cranes.

Xianghai, Zhalong, and Momoge Nature Reserve, also in Jinlin Province, are the three major crane protection bases in China.

"Some 600 red-crowned cranes have been bred at the centers," said Lin.

The red-crowned crane is an endangered species with an estimated population of 1,700 to 2,000 in the wild, according to the International Crane Foundation.

In Chinese culture, cranes are symbols of longevity.

Source:Xinhua