The effects of a wetland restoration project on the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) population and stopover habitat in Momoge National Nature Reserve, China

•Hydrological change between pre-restoration and post-restoration affects the population dynamic of Siberian crane in Momoge National Nature Reserve.•Control of the water level in restoration area is the key factor for food production of Siberian crane in Momoge National Reserve.•An effective water management strategy in restoration area was developed to balance the conservation of Siberian crane habitat and water use.

An assessment of wetland restoration project and their restoration impacts can provide a reference for effective management and habitat improvements. In this paper, a monitoring program was conducted before and after the stopover habitat of the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) was restored. The results indicated that the Siberian crane population and its primary food (Scirpus planiculmis) distribution area increased in the first three years of the restoration project relative to the levels prior to the project. The daily water levels ranged from approximately −20 cm to 20 cm, which is ideal for a stopover habitat for this waterbird. An obvious effect was observed as a result of the restoration of Siberian crane habitat. However, Siberian crane numbers sharply decreased in the later period of the restoration project to 10-40% of the values prior to restoration. The average daily water level was approximately 60 cm, and the distribution area of S. planiculmis decreased, which affected the incidence of Siberian crane stopovers. Furthermore, an effective water management strategy was established to protect Siberian crane populations and habitats. In summer, continuous water supplementation based on varying water demands was used to guarantee the growth of S. planiculmis and provide a suitable water level for Siberian crane stopovers in autumn. At the end of autumn, rapid water supplementation was used to maintain suitable water levels for the following spring. These results can serve as a reference point for protecting and restoring similar waterbird habitats.