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Cranes present excellent opportunities to build programs that combine various conservation goals, activities, and techniques. As well known birds that serve as “umbrella” and “flagship” species in many ecosystems around the world, they are able to draw attention to, and provide protection for, a broad array of other species as well as the ecological functions that maintain ecosystem health. They exemplify the need to consider biodiversity at all levels—genetic, population, species, community, and ecosystem—in designing and implementing conservation programs. They also provide a focus for actions that address local development and conservation needs in an integrated fashion.

Sections 2 and 3 provide many recommendations for priority conservation actions. These recommendations have been developed on the premise that specific actions should be undertaken in a well coordinated and mutually reinforcing manner. Many tools are available to promote the protection, recovery, and perpetuation of the world’s cranes, from establishment of protected areas and captive propagation programs to habitat restoration and sustainable development projects. Choosing which tools to use, in which combinations, is the key to success (Soulé 1991).

Fortunately, crane conservationists have over the last several decades gained a great deal of experience and expertise in integrating conservation programs. Many examples can be found in the species accounts in Section 2. Several basic guiding principles can be derived from this experience.

• In the long run, the conservation of cranes must be seen within a larger landscape, watershed, or ecosystem context, and conservation activities must be coordinated at these scales. This is important not only for avoiding conflicts (as, for example, in areas where afforestation has resulted in the loss of crane habitat), but to protect and restore the ecosystem functions that maintain healthy habitat conditions. This includes not only wild landscapes, but those areas where human activities are dominant.

• In situ conservation programs must be broadly conceived, and combine legal protection, research, habitat protection and management, education, community participation, and other components. All of these can and must contribute to balanced programs that sustain crane populations, crane habitats, and local human communities.

• Ex situ (captive propagation and reintroduction) programs should be undertaken only as a last resort, and not as a substitute for in situ programs. Should ex situ programs become necessary, they should be developed based on clear goals and management guidelines. Priority should be placed on the maintenance and enhancement of genetic diversity within the population, on safe and effective methods for reintroduction, and on the assurance of high quality care for captive populations.

• Because most cranes are migratory, successful conservation requires clear consensus on goals and responsibilities among parties from different parts of the species range, constant communication of scientific information, and support from international governments, institutions, and non-governmental organizations.