What was the lowest recorded population count for the migratory Whooping Crane flock in 1941 at Aransas, Texas?
Answer
21 individuals
The migratory population of Whooping Cranes endured a catastrophic demographic collapse due to rampant hunting and habitat loss leading up to the mid-20th century. This decline culminated in an extreme population bottleneck event. In the year 1941, observers recorded the absolute lowest number of wild individuals remaining in the flock wintering at the Aransas area in Texas. This critical low point stood at only 21 birds. This dramatic reduction meant that the entire genetic future of the migratory population rested on these few survivors, making their survival paramount for conservation efforts moving forward.
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