Birds

The cranes are among the most ancient and distinctive families of birds on earth, yet they are among the world's most threatened groups of birds. This action plan describes the many different sorts of threats facing cranes especially as they migrate through different countries, and the many solutions that have been attempted to overcome them.

The 22 species of Megapodes or "thermometer-birds" are found in Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, the Philippines and some Pacific islands. With changing traditions and demographic patterns, and habitat loss, uncontrolled harvesting has reduced some populations to a point where sustainable use has become untenable.