Sarus Crane: Habitat, Features, Conservation Statu

Context

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) announced an All-India Sarus Crane Survey to estimate the bird’s population, identify key breeding and roosting sites, and assess threats such as collisions with power lines.

About the Sarus Crane

• Significance: The world’s tallest flying bird and India’s only resident breeding crane species.
• Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, grasslands and flooded agricultural fields, particularly in northern and central India.
• State Bird: Uttar Pradesh.

Key Characteristics

• Physical Features: Can reach approximately 1.5 metres in height, with grey plumage and a distinctive red head and upper neck.
• Behaviour: Forms long-lasting pair bonds and performs elaborate courtship dances and unison calls.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on grains, seeds, aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, frogs and small reptiles.
• Distribution: Found in parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with populations also occurring in Australia.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I.
• CITES: Included in Appendix II.

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