The sarus crane holds the title of being the tallest flying bird globally, reaching heights of 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) and boasting a wingspan of 2.4 m (8 ft). Its plumage is mostly grey, with a bald red head and upper neck, as well bias light red legs. Sarus cranes inhabit various regions of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Source - atozpictures.com
Stronghold resides in India, where it is highly esteemed and coexists near people. The sarus crane, which is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, is categorised as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Primary dangers include wetland destruction, pesticide consumption, hunting, and power line accidents.
The Sarus crane is mainly present in the Indian subcontinent, with its biggest concentrations found in northern and central India.
Characteristics of Sarus Cranes
- It has a
weight of 6.8-7.8 kilograms.
- Its
distinctive appearance includes a predominantly grey body with a vibrant red
head and upper neck.
- Searches in
wetlands and marshes for roots, tubers, insects, crustaceans, and small
vertebrates.
- Establishes
enduring bonds as couples and defends territories.
- Breeds in the rainy season, constructing sizable nests on platforms made of reeds and grasses.
Sarus Cranes and their Rich History
The history of the Sarus crane is deeply connected to cultural significance and ecological importance, especially in India. Revered in Indian mythology, the Sarus crane symbolises love and devotion and is known for its lifelong monogamous relationships, representing eternal love.
According to folklore, when one crane dies, the other mourns to death, further emphasising its role as a symbol of marital fidelity.
Throughout history, the Sarus crane has been recorded since the 18th century, with initial drawings and explanations by naturalists such as George Edwards and Carl Linnaeus.
The crane used to be a frequent presence in the wetlands of northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where it was designated the official state bird in 2014.
The Sarus crane's connection to Buddha's legacy is through a myth about Prince Siddhartha Gautama when he was young. During archery practice, Siddhartha's cousin hit a Sarus crane, but instead of keeping it, Siddhartha decided to care for the wounded bird until it recovered.
The king settled a disagreement by deciding that the crane, which Siddhartha had saved, belonged to him because of his act of compassion.
The connection between the Sarus crane and the Buddha has led to conservation projects in Lumbini. These initiatives aim to revive wetlands and safeguard these birds, emphasising the lasting link between the crane and the Buddhist principles of kindness and reverence for all living creatures.
Sarus Cranes Population
Main regions where Sarus cranes are frequently spotted consist of-
Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of Sarus cranes, especially in districts with rice fields and abundant wetlands. In the western districts of Uttar Pradesh, cranes are most prevalent, often spotted in agricultural fields and wetlands.
In the past, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam were home to large populations of Sarus cranes, but their numbers have decreased in recent times because of habitat loss and other dangers. They are scarce in a few of these regions at present.
In Nepal, Sarus cranes are mainly located in the western and central lowland plains, especially in districts such as Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, and Nawalparasi.
Southeast Asia is home to two separate populations, one in the north in China and Myanmar, and another in the south in Cambodia and Vietnam.
In Myanmar, a significant number of people have been found in the Ayeyarwadi delta, mostly working in rice paddies.
In Australia, Sarus cranes can be spotted in the northeast region, specifically in the Gulf Plains of Queensland, where they live in floodplains and farmlands.
The Primary Dangers to the Sarus Crane Population
The Sarus crane is experiencing a decrease in population due to various threats it is facing.
Loss and degradation of habitat due to agricultural expansion, drainage, and urban development diminish the wetlands essential for their foraging and nesting.
The health and reproductive success of organisms are negatively impacted by environmental pollution, especially from pesticides.
Furthermore, the act of hunting for meat and gathering eggs directly endangers their population.
In areas where power lines are present, cranes are at risk
of being electrocuted and colliding, with their habitats facing further
disruption due to climate change, leading to increased habitat loss.
These difficulties have caused the Sarus crane to be labelled as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, emphasising the importance of continued conservation actions.
Written By Shweta Goshwami
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - shwetagoswami2005@gmail.com
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