Data from: Mechanisms of enhancing genetic fitness in non-kinship-based groups: Insights from black-necked cranes
Data files
Dec 18, 2025 version files 5.49 KB
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Nest_GPS.zip
3.15 KB
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README.md
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Abstract
Understanding a species' mating strategies is essential for unraveling the intricacies of their group structure and formation, as well as for comprehending the delicate balance they trade-offs to optimize their overall fitness. Black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), a monogamous wetland species primarily found in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the largest alpine crane, is a captivating embodiment of fidelity and love, yet our study challenges this narrative. In this study, we successfully extracted DNA samples from black-necked cranes and reconstructed pedigrees of breeding groups at Flower Marsh. We discovered that these non-kinship-based groups exhibited high nest-site fidelity, with males showing higher nest-site fidelity than females. Despite their monogamous nature, none of the breeding pairs maintained strict monogamy throughout our four-year observation period, with a high rate of extra-pair fertilization detected. Indiscriminate offspring dispersal enabled black-necked crane groups to avoid inbreeding, while the high frequency of extra-pair fertilization increased genetic diversity. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mating strategies of black-necked cranes and the mechanisms that sustain low-sociality groups and offer important implications for the conservation of this unique species.
Description of the dataset
This dataset contains geographic information on nest locations of the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) collected during the study period. The data were used to examine nest-site fidelity, breeding structure, and reproductive dynamics in non-kinship-based breeding groups.
The dataset accompanies the associated article published in Ecological Indicators and is intended for reuse in spatial and ecological analyses at landscape and regional scales.
File description
File: Nest_GPS.zip
This archive contains generalized GPS coordinate data for black-necked crane nest sites recorded between 2017 and 2020.
The archive includes four KML files:
2017_generalized.kml2018_generalized.kml2019_generalized.kml2020_generalized.kml
Each KML file contains point features representing nest locations for the corresponding year. Attribute information includes nest identifiers and associated breeding group information.
The files can be opened and visualized using standard GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or Google Earth.
Data sensitivity and coordinate generalization
To reduce potential conservation risks for the near-threatened species Grus nigricollis, geographic coordinates in this dataset have been spatially generalized prior to publication.
Latitude and longitude values were rounded to two decimal places (approximately 1 km spatial resolution). This level of generalization preserves broad-scale spatial patterns relevant for ecological and landscape analyses while preventing precise localization of sensitive nest sites.
Data reuse notes
The dataset is suitable for analyses focusing on landscape-level patterns, habitat use, and spatial distribution of breeding sites. It is not intended for fine-scale site-specific localization or management actions requiring exact nest positions.
Related publication
Li, Y., Jin, Y., He, X., Dou, L., He, H., Zhang, Y., Li, Z., & Ran, J. (2024).
Mechanisms of enhancing genetic fitness in non-kinship-based groups: Insights from black-necked cranes.
Ecological Indicators.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112701
Observation and collection during four years.
- Li, Yuhang; Jin, Yuyi; He, Xingcheng et al. (2024). Mechanisms of enhancing genetic fitness in Non-Kinship-Based Groups: Insights from Black-necked Cranes. Ecological Indicators. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112701