COOK ISLANDS 1990 $50 Whooping Crane, 0.925 Silver Proof Coin, UNC

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The Whooping Crane is the tallestflying North American bird, and one of the most endangered. Consider the following facts: Before humans began their slaughter it is believed there were 15,000 to 20,000 alive. Then humans began to kill them, and the population fell to 1400 in 1860. The killing increased and by 1941 there were only 15 birds left! That is very close to extinction. Conservationists got to work and they worked hard to save this species, and now there are about 600 , wild and captive. The Whooping Crane recovery is one of conservation’s most stirring stories. This striking Cook Islands proof sterling silver coin weighs 19.80 grams and contains 0.5851 oz of silver. It is KM#117. This crane stands 5 ft and has a wingspan of 7-8 ft. Note on the photo the red patch on the forehead and black mustache. The legs are also black. The body is white with black wing tips. Its diet is plant tubers, blue crabs, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects. The main threats to its survival are wetland habitat destruction including fresh water at wintering grounds in Texas, low genetic diversity, death from power line collisions, predation and illegal hunting. Its recovery has been due to determined efforts by conservationists including a creative program that aids the cranes to learn critical migratory routes by leading them with read more

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