ANNOUNCEMENTS
This world’s tallest flying bird species the Sarus Crane is considered & categorized as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. Sarus Cranes are distributed in the Bhoj Wetland and surrounding areas in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Bhoj wetland is a Ramsar Site and has its international value. The research study was carried out from February to April 2021 to find out the entire population, potential habitat, and behavior of Sarus Crane. Sarus Crane is the flagship bird species of marshland and wetlands also frequently sighted in the agricultural field. Since the Indian Sarus is a huge bird and it is visible from a fair distance, direct observation was made in the study area of the wetland. The survey area is divided into the three-zone to manage the survey, these sites are regularly replicated. Population estimation and habitat of Sarus Crane were determined through direct observation by line transect, vehicular transect, and area search method surveys in its all-possible potential habitat. By the survey, 44 Sarus Cranes were counted and recorded in and around Bhoj Wetland out of them 36 were adults and 8 were chicks/Juv. Sarus was observed in single, pair, and families. Nesting and Feeding behavior was observed and recorded. Hatching success and new early breeding are recorded usually they breed during July to October season. The Sarus Crane breeds and nests in wetlands and uplands.
The Sarus Cranes are facing several threats like shifting of agriculture, habitat destruction, anthropogenic activities, etc, this present study investigates on population and vast distribution of Indian Sarus Crane in Bhoj wetland, the study helps to support sustainable conservation management for Sarus cranes & wetlands.
Keywords: Sarus Crane, population wetland, Ramsar, nesting.
