Sarus Crane Research Articles

Waterbird diversity of Saman Wetland Complex in Uttar Pradesh: a crucial site for the India’s National Action Plan on migratory birds

The Saman Wetland Complex is formed by five major wetlands present in Etawah and Mainpuri districts of Uttar Pradesh. The habitat is majorly a wetland system with scrub vegetation along the edges and surrounded by agricultural fields; attracting a diverse group of bird species. These wetlands are an ideal habitat for Sarus Crane and are also Important Bird Areas. In the past two decades, the anthropogenic activities have deteriorated the habitat and wetlands no longer support the earlier congregation of birds. The study conducted during 2020–2021 provides baseline information on the present status of the Saman wetland complex, waterbird diversity, threats faced by the wetlands & waterbirds, and suggests future management/ conservation strategies.

Population and conservation threats to the vulnerable Sarus crane Grus antigone in Nepal.

Globally, biodiversity is declining due to habitat loss and degradation, over-exploitation, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and infrastructure development. These threats affect the populations of large waterbird species, such as Sarus crane (Grus antigone), which inhabits agricultural-wetland ecosystems. Despite the burgeoning built-up areas and diminishing agricultural and wetland spaces, scant research investigates the impact of these changing land uses on the globally vulnerable Sarus crane in Nepal. During the pre-breeding season from April to June 2023, our comprehensive study meticulously scrutinized Sarus crane population status and factors associated with the occurrences and conservation challenges across 10 specific districts of Nepal. Our study documented a total of 690 individuals of Sarus cranes in five districts. The Lumbini Province has 685 individuals, occupying 11 roosting sites. Conversely, the remaining five districts have no Sarus cranes presence during this period. Wetland, farmland and built-up areas exhibited a significantly positive influence on Sarus crane occurrences in the Lumbini Province. Additionally, we recorded 47 fatalities of Sarus cranes over the past 13 years in the Lumbini Province due to electrocution and collisions. Our study provides a baseline dataset crucial for developing conservation policies, particularly during the dry season when Sarus crane populations tend to congregate in larger flocks. The adaptation of the Sarus crane to urbanized landscapes exposes them to several anthropogenic threats in the coming days. Therefore, protecting wetlands and farmland areas and adopting transboundary conservation approaches are imperative for the long-term conservation of the Sarus crane and its habitat.

Distribution Pattern of Avian Species in Sultanpur National Park, Haryana, India with Special Reference to Residential and Migratory

From September 2021 to March 2023, we embarked on a journey to document the avian wealth of Sultanpur National Park in Haryana, India. Our survey revealed a stunning tapestry of 105 bird species, representing 16 orders and 40 families. While 108 species held Least Concern status, two precious residents, the Saras Crane (Grus antigone) and White-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), teetered on the edge of vulnerability, facing mounting threats. The Indian Silverbill, Scaly-breasted Munia, Plain Martin, Wire-Tailled Swallow, and Bay-backed Shrike joined their ranks, listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red Data Book. Our research suggests that Sultanpur National Park holds the potential to become a haven for these at-risk species. With dedicated efforts to ensure year-round water availability and the strategic planting of native trees like Ficus religiosa, Ficus bengalensis, Azadirachta indica, Acasia nilotica, and Mangifera indica, we can create a sanctuary for Painted Storks, White-necked Storks, and Black-necked Storks. Additional platforms could further encourage the proliferation of Saras Cranes and White-necked Storks, giving them the perfect stage to raise their young.
 This study serves as a call to action, both for the public and the state government to up their game in the area of conservation of wildlife species. By understanding the park's rich avian tapestry and the dangers it faces, we can mobilize support for its conservation. Protecting Sultanpur National Park and its irreplaceable birdlife is not just a responsibility, but a privilege. Let us join hands to ensure the skies above this national treasure remain forever filled with the songs and wings of its feathered residents.

Sarus crane, biodiversity and pesticides: A review

Sarus crane, biodiversity and pesticides: A review

A trial helicopter survey of crane nesting on floodplains in the Gulf Plains Bioregion, north-western Queensland, and the first record of a three-egg clutch for the Australian Sarus Crane Grus antigone gillae

A trial helicopter survey of crane nesting on floodplains in the Gulf Plains Bioregion, north-western Queensland, and the first record of a three-egg clutch for the Australian Sarus Crane Grus antigone gillae

Demographic variation in the population of Sarus crane in and around Alwara Lake of district Kaushambi, India

Demographic variation in the population of Sarus crane in and around Alwara Lake of district Kaushambi, India

Diversity and conservation status of avifauna in the Surguja region, Chhattisgarh, India

This study is aimed at updating the avifauna status and to assess major threats in six districts of the Surguja region of northern Chhattisgarh. The avifauna of this region is less studied as compared to the central and southern regions of the state. Chhattisgarh has unique and important habitats for bird species. The geographical region has two major forest types which provide a suitable habitat for many terrestrial and numerous wetlands that support aquatic bird species. The northern region is a basin of rivers Hasdeo and Rihand, prominently forested and a major coal belt. In this study, planned and opportunistic surveys were done in different seasons, and data was collected from 1995 to 2019. In the northern Chhattisgarh region,we have compiled all-district data and a total of 361 bird species were recorded. The maximum number of bird species were recorded from Koriya 318, followed by Raigarh 262, Surguja 162, Balrampur 260, Surajpur 208, and Jashpur 254. Species recorded include three Critically Endangered (CR), two Endangered (EN), five Vulnerable (VU), and 13 Near Threatened (NT). Nesting of Lesser Adjutant, Indian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, and sighting of Sarus Crane in Surguja region is reported. The study also revealed the presence of nine Himalayan and sub-Himalayan species. Comparing with previous studies 117 new species were found. Chhattisgarh has ample potential and opportunities for new records as many regions have not yet been adequately explored, it can be a key birding hub for bird lovers as well as the scientific community. The large-scale mining-oriented activities, hunting, and poaching are posing serious threats, which will have a direct or indirect, impact on the future of the avifauna of the region.

Monitoring of Surface Water bodies in Mainpuri District Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology

Abstract: These days, a range of analytical tasks are carried out using popular, computer-dependent, time-oriented methodologies such as remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. Remote sensing technology provides a synoptic perspective that aids in mapping the dynamics of surface water bodies at regional and global scales. With this study, we can gather information on seasonal changes over time in the Mainpuri District because variations in the distribution of surface water have an impact on the hydrogeology and physical surroundings of the area. Mainpuri District has a Ramsar site named Saman Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a significant number of migratory and local migratory birds, primarily Sarus cranes. The research demonstrated that the area's abundance of waterbodies benefits biodiversity by giving migratory birds enough food and shelter. Shrinkage and expansion in surface water bodies are useful for determining the ecology of the region. In the current work, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon multi-temporal Landsat satellite images have been used to monitor spatiotemporal changes in the water bodies’ surface area in the Mainpuri District of Uttar Pradesh, India. In the north-west to southeast of the district, waterbodies' temporal changes show a 60% sharp decline in the number of waterbodies from 1992 to 2022.

Increase in Sarus Crane (Linnaeus 1758) Population Grus antigone in and Around Alwara Lake of District Kaushambi, India

Increase in Sarus Crane (Linnaeus 1758) Population Grus antigone in and Around Alwara Lake of District Kaushambi, India

Avian Community Composition in and around Mandothi Wetlands, Haryana, India

Comprising an area of approximately 1000 acres, Mandothi wetlands are located in Bahadurgarh tehsil of Jhajjar district of Haryana, India and provide an important wintering ground for migratory birds. From December 2021 to June 2022, fortnightly surveys were made to document the avian community composition of the study area in Mandothi wetlands using point-count and line-transect methods. A total of 124 species belonging to 90 genera, 38 families, and 15 orders were recorded. Passeriformes was the most represented avian order, with 38 species and 15 families. Feeding guild analysis revealed that carnivore was the most dominant feeding guild in the study area. Of the recorded 124 avian species, 73 species were residents, 44 species were winter migrants and 7 species were summer migrants. As per the IUCN Red List 8 species were classified as Near Threatened (Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Darter Anhinga melanogaster) and 2 species were classified as Vulnerable (Sarus Crane Antigone antigone and River Tern Sterna aurantia). In addition to the present survey, 17 species were also reported from secondary sources, resulting in a checklist of 141 bird species. The occurrence of migratory and species of global conservation priority documents the importance of this wetland as a potential habitat for avifauna in Haryana.

Long-term monitoring of pelicans in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Monitoring of Gharial Gavialis gangeticus in National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) since 1983 has resulted in collection of data on other ecological associates, located between 25.8474–26.4389 0N, 76.5645–79.2132 0E. One such beneficiary of this long term monitoring program are the pelicans, locally called ‘Hawaseel’. Pelican species visiting Chambal from November to March include the Dalmatian Pelecanus crispus, Great White Pelecanus onocrotalus, and Spot-billed Pelecanus philippensis. Species-wise separation of pelicans at the sites of congregation is often difficult. The total number of pelicans counted during the annual census from 2003 to 2016 was 4,429. The study area extends over 435 km comprising 12 study zones, 99% counts were made in the study zones X, XI and XII. These zones stretch over 115 km that occur near the confluence of Chambal with river Yamuna. Here, the river is deep. Other large birds seen with the pelican squadrons are groups of Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Nakta or Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos, and the Greylag Goose Anser anser. Other large birds seen on the riverbanks were the Common Crane Grus grus, Sarus Crane Grus antigon, Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus species, and Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo. The study provides a baseline about the population of pelicans and the availability of large wetland birds in NCS. The biodiversity significance of NCS got highlighted because of the ongoing gharial conservation programme. The Chambal River Sanctuary is a composite unit of several un-notified ‘core areas’. The sanctuary fulfills six of the nine criteria for possible consideration as an international Ramsar Wetland.

Tracking sarus crane movements in Cambodia and Vietnam reveals seasonal vulnerabilities and gaps in protected area coverage

The movements of 17 eastern sarus cranesGrus antigone sharpiiin Cambodia and Vietnam were tracked during both wet and dry seasons in 1998-2002 and 2015-2017, revealing previously unknown but important sites. Crane breeding territories were located in Cambodia’s northern dry deciduous dipterocarp forests, with territories of cranes captured in the Tonle Sap basin located further west and more likely to fall within protected areas than those captured in the Mekong Delta. During the non-breeding (dry) season, cranes returned to sites in which they had originally been captured. Most cranes initially used a different part of the same floodplain in the early stages of the dry season, but cranes from the Mekong Delta that nested west of the Mekong River would initially stop in the eastern Tonle Sap floodplains before continuing to the Mekong Delta floodplains. Protected area coverage of key dry season habitat within the Tonle Sap basin was lower than in the Mekong Delta. Out of 5 juveniles tracked in 2015/2016, 1 disappeared, 1 died and 1 was injured; 1 adult also disappeared. All mortality and disappearances occurred during the wet season and at least 1 mo after capture. Persistence of the eastern sarus crane will require improvement of protected area coverage of both breeding areas and previously unknown but important sites used during the dry season. In the dry season, engagement of farmers in conservation efforts is also important, as crane home ranges included agricultural areas even in the direct surroundings of protected wetland habitat.

New records and a review of animal foods in the diets of the Brolga Antigone rubicunda and Australian Sarus Crane A. antigone gillae

Cranes are opportunistic omnivores, sometimes considered to be primarily vegetarian. However, there is limited knowledge in Australia of their animal prey and its importance in their diets. From field records in 2006–2021, we report novel foods including fish and crabs taken by adult Australian Sarus Cranes Antigone antigone gillae and the first records of the foods of their dependent young (crabs and grasshoppers). For Brolgas A. rubicunda, we report the first records of ducklings as prey, and of crabs, beetles and grasshoppers fed to dependent young. Both species have learnt to prey on rodents displaced or killed by sugar cane harvesting machinery in northern Queensland. A review of diet records since 1810 also reveals some overlooked foods and food-handling methods but, despite a sighting of a Brolga ingesting a whole Cane Toad Rhinella marina, there is no evidence of immunity to the toad’s toxin in either species of crane. The plant and animal components of the diet of the dependent young of both species remain almost unknown and there are also significant knowledge gaps for the animal prey of adult Australian Sarus Cranes; the vertebrate prey of adult Brolgas; and the balance of prey types for both species in the breeding and non-breeding seasons. To advance knowledge of crane diets and nutritional ecology in Australia and New Guinea, direct field techniques including faecal sampling, collection of shed feathers and camera trapping could be undertaken, supported by remote electronic technologies in relatively inaccessible breeding wetlands. Meanwhile – in anticipation of the forthcoming revision of the Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds – we urge fieldworkers, birdwatchers and others to examine their field notes for unpublished information on crane foraging and food items, especially for the dependent young of Brolgas and Australian Sarus Cranes.

Spatial modeling of Sarus Crane nest site suitability in Cambodia to help target conservation of breeding areas

To understand the breeding habitat requirements of the small, highly threatened migratory population of Eastern Sarus Crane (Grus antigone sharpii) in Cambodia and Vietnam, we assessed nest site selection at two different spatial scales: at the scale of individually occupied wetlands within the deciduous dipterocarp forests of Kulen Promtep and Chep Wildlife Sanctuaries, and at a landscape scale covering all such forested areas in northern Cambodia. To model the likelihood of nest occupancy within the landscape, results of aerial surveys for Sarus Crane nests, conducted in 2001, were combined with topographical and environmental spatial data. A second model incorporated deforestation and road development in the landscape between 2001 and 2016.We found that Sarus Cranes in Cambodia typically nested in remote rain-fed wetlands that formed on flat terrain in the upper reaches of drainage basins. Within these small, forested wetland units, nests were often placed in deeper, well-defined ponds, although three-quarters of all nests were placed randomly in relation to water level. Nest locations were further from roads and agricultural areas than random points.Most of the best nesting habitat, including Kulen Promtep and Chep Wildlife Sanctuaries, was located on Cambodia’s Northern Plains (247 km2 of habitat with a predicted occupancy likelihood of >75 % inside protected areas and 77 km2 outside), with smaller patches of highly suitable areas scattered across the Eastern Plains (15 km2 inside protected areas and 11 km2 outside).Between 2001 and 2016, 14,215 km2 (15 %) of the original deciduous dipterocarp forest cover was cleared for agriculture, 1,605 km of road was constructed and the area of habitat with a predicted occupancy likelihood of >75 % shrank by 69 % in the Northern Plains (66 % inside protected areas and 79 % outside) and 73 % in the Eastern Plains (80 % inside and 64 % outside). In Kulen Promtep and Chep, cranes continued to nest but in areas modeled as having lower suitability. We recommend (i) strengthening protection of Kulen Promtep and Chep Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Northern Plains and of remaining nesting habitat in other protected areas; (ii) surveying for active nesting in areas having the highest suitability classes based on the 2001 model but not currently protected, particularly south of Kulen Promtep; (iii) in the meantime, take immediate steps towards protecting as much remaining habitat as possible, that was modeled as highly suitable, to allow for population recovery or in case subsequent surveys find it occupied.

Habitat Suitability of Eastern Sarus Crane (Antigone Antigone sharpii) in Ayeyarwady Delta, the Union of Myanmar

The eastern sarus crane (Antigone antigone sharpii; ESC) is a species related to wetland ecosystems in Southeast Asia. The habitat suitability of the eastern sarus crane in Ayeyarwady Delta was surveyed between March 2018 and February 2019. Eastern sarus cranes were found at 73 locations and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) was used to classify the habitat suitability among different seasons. MaxEnt showed the largest total area of highly suitable habitat was in the winter season (2450 km2, AUC = 0.968), while the least amount of available suitable habitat was evident during the rainy season (1028.7 km2, AUC = 0.979). A difference in the assessment of home range areas using the Minimum Convex Polygon (95% MPC) and the Kernel Density Estimate (95% KDE) was found. The total area in the winter season was highest at 95% KDE (13,839.5 km2) and lowest in the rainy season (1238.1 km2), while 95% MCP was highest in the rainy season (7892.9 km2) and lowest in the summer season (7014.6 km2). Analysis of the environmental parameters indicated that low temperature in the summer season and high precipitation in the rainy season and winter season are important for ESC habitat suitability. These climatic parameters were important for ESC in all seasons (AUC > 0.9). Important parameters influencing ESC habitat suitability were elevation, slope, distance to road in the summer season, elevation, distance to road and village and slope in the rainy season, and elevation and slope in the winter season. Annual precipitation was the main parameter influencing ESC habitat suitability in both summer and winter, while in the rainy season it was mean diurnal range (>90%).

Comparison of marshland plant species used as the nesting material by Indian sarus crane (Grus antigone) in Bhopal and Raisen districts of Madhya Pradesh

Sarus crane is a marsh nesting bird and uses a variety of plants to build their nests. During the study 84 nests were examined in Bhopal and Raisen districts between 2015 and 2018. Data collected from the observations of nests and the physical characteristics of the respective nesting sites over a period of four years showed that, Sarus crane used local plant species for nest building that are easily available in the vicinity of the nest site. In Bhopal district 21 plant species were used as nesting material and the dominant species recorded were Ipomea aquatica (82.22%), followed by Scripus littoralis (80%) and Typha domingensis (55.56%). However, in Raisen district the Sarus crane used 25 plant species and the most dominant plant was Typha domingensis (51.28%) followed by Ipomea aquatica (51.28%) and Ipomea carnea (46.15%). Other plant materials were used less frequently and were observed in low percentage Valissenaria natans (20.51% in Raisen and 11.2% in Bhopal), Echinochloa colona (28.2% in Raisen and 17.8% in Bhopal), Cyperus rotundus (10.26% in Raisen and 11.12% in Bhopal) and Monoccharia hastata (12.82% in Raisen and 15.56% in Bhopal.

Sarus crane Antigone antigone predating on chicks of grey-headed swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus

Sarus crane Antigone antigone predating on chicks of grey-headed swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus

Habitat Preference and Current Threats to The Sarus Cranes Grus Antigone (Aves: Gruiformes: Gruidae) In Important Bird Areas of Haryana, India: Implications for Determining Effective Conservation Actions

Understanding the habitat preferences of Sarus Crane can assist ecologists in identifying high-priority habitats and improving conservation strategies. The habitat utilization and preference of Sarus Crane were studied in and around Important Bird areas of the Gurugram district from November 2019 to October 2020. In total, 171 flocks were observed in agricultural land followed by marshland (147) and grassland (11). Our analysis showed that the Sarus Crane strongly preferred agricultural areas (s = +0.18) and avoided grassland habitats (s = -0.22 and -0.53 respectively). There was a significant difference in the utilization of agriculture and marshland (P<0.05) habitats in different seasons. However, the Sarus Crane utilized the grassland habitat randomly (P>0.05). The Sarus Cranes experienced several serious threats, including predation, habitat destruction, and the agricultural use of pesticides. This study on habitat preference and current threats will provide a scientific baseline for future research to better understand the ecology of the Sarus Cranes and will be helpful in their conservation. These IBA’s are the only suitable sites in Haryana because it is surrounded by a large area of agricultural land and exposed to the pressure of human activities. It is, therefore, necessary to protect such habitats, to provide a healthy ecosystem for Sarus Cranes.

Sarus Crane: Life in human-dominated landscape

The Sarus Crane Grus antigone is one of culturally important birds of India, living in human-dominated landscapes mainly due to the tolerance of the general public. It is dependent on seasonally occurring small shallow wetlands called jheels for foraging and breeding. These jheels are under tremendous biotic pressures mainly due to expansion of agriculture and urbanization. Climate change and unpredictable monsoons are putting additional pressures on the Sarus habitat. New threats in the form of free-ranging dogs, expansion of fisheries/water-chestnut cultivation, plastic pollution, and over-head transmission wires have emerged which may impact the Sarus populations. The paper discusses the life of Sarus Crane in human-dominated landscape of central Uttar Pradesh, India.

Sarus Crane: Life in human-dominated landscape

The Sarus Crane Grus antigone is one of culturally important birds of India, living in human-dominated landscapes mainly due to the tolerance of the general public. It is dependent on seasonally occurring small shallow wetlands called jheels for foraging and breeding. These jheels are under tremendous biotic pressures mainly due to expansion of agriculture and urbanization. Climate change and unpredictable monsoons are putting additional pressures on the Sarus habitat. New threats in the form of free-ranging dogs, expansion of fisheries/water-chestnut cultivation, plastic pollution, and over-head transmission wires have emerged which may impact the Sarus populations. The paper discusses the life of Sarus Crane in human-dominated landscape of central Uttar Pradesh, India.