According to UPL's ‘Tenth Annual Sarus Crane Count’ 1,477 Sarus cranes, including 147 sub-adults, were documented across 199 villages in 18 talukas. Photos Courtesy: UPL
The survey, a part of their Sarus Crane Conservation Program, was conducted during the summer solstice, as it aligns with the period when most wetlands and marshes dry up, leading to large congregations of Sarus cranes around perennial water bodies, which provides a unique opportunity to accurately assess the population
The largest congregation was recorded in agricultural fields at Limbasi and Vastana, with 153 cranes. Major wetland congregations included Ozralla (86 cranes), Pariej (69 cranes), and Traj (65 cranes). Kheda and Anand districts have shown a remarkable rise in Sarus crane numbers
The Indian Sarus Crane, the tallest flying bird in the world, is classified as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
Traditionally found in wetlands, the Sarus crane has adapted to co-exist with humans, increasingly relying on agricultural fields for feeding and breeding
This year’s survey, said Dr. Jatinder Kaur, program manager, UPL Sarus Conservation Program, revealed a significant shift in congregation patterns, with notably higher numbers observed in agricultural fields compared to wetlands - likely influenced by recent rainfall altering habitat conditions
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