Protected red-crowned cranes counted in Hokkaido

The annual count of red-crowned cranes, a protected species, is under way in Hokkaido, northern Japan.

This year's survey covers about 300 locations, mainly in the eastern part of the prefecture.

In Tsurui Village, a breeding ground of the crane, about 20 children braved freezing temperatures on Friday to take part in the count.

The bird was on the verge of extinction in the early 20th Century but it has since recovered thanks to preservation efforts. In 2005, the number rose above 1,000.

The survey results will be compiled by the end of this month.