The Image of the Siberian Crane in Yakut Culture: Ecological Education problems

The Siberian crane is a sacred bird for indigenous peoples inhabiting its breeding range in north-eastern Siberia. The system of taboos and prohibitions still applies to it. All this undoubtedly plays a positive role in its protection. We believe that a careful attitude to the ecology of Siberian cranes should be fostered in people from an early age. Literature plays an undoubted important role in this. In our opinion, a careful attitude to the ecology of Siberian cranes, especially at an early age, can be instilled through Yakut literature. In Yakut literature the Siberian crane is a symbol of culture and mythology, beauty and grace, the embodiment of freedom and a reflection of the unexplored side of existence and the boundless face of the Middle Earth, the mediator between heaven and earth. We used an empirical method: conducting an anonymous survey to determine people’s attitudes toward the Siberian crane as a biological species and as a sacred symbol of Sakha culture. Our study showed that most people understand that the ecological condition of the Siberian cranes is far from satisfactory. They also understand that it is necessary to involve children in the cause of nature protection in order to preserve the species population of Siberian cranes. One of the most effective ways to educate children about the careful treatment of these Red Book birds is to introduce them to the image of Siberian cranes in Yakut works.

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