U.P.’s ‘missing’ sarus crane that’s stirred up a hornet’s nest in the State’s politics

U.P.’s ‘missing’ sarus crane that’s stirred up a hornet’s nest in the State’s politics

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context: An injured bird that became a social media sensation when its alleged saviour posted a video about it, may be missing according to SP president Akhilesh Yadav, though the current administration denies it.

More on the News:

• On March 21 the Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) Forest Department visited Mohammed Arif Khan to relocate a sarus crane, U.P.’s State bird, from his home in Mandka village in Amethi to Raebareli’s Samaspur Bird Sanctuary.
• The bird, which Mr. Khan claims he found injured and lying unconscious in his fields last year had taken a shine to the family after they took care of it for over two months.
• A day after the bird was taken to the sanctuary, Yadav in a tweet, claimed that the bird was missing.
• However, the administration said this is untrue and that the whereabouts of the bird are clear. The DFO, Mr. Srivastava told local media that the bird was seen in the sanctuary on Thursday morning and is not missing.

Sarus Crane:

• The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) is a large, long-legged crane found in parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• It is the tallest flying bird in the world, standing up to 1.8 meters tall, and has a wingspan of up to 2.7 meters.
• Habitat: The Sarus Crane is found in a range of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and rice fields. It is also found in grasslands, cultivated areas, and dry savannas.
• Distribution: The Sarus Crane is found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
• The Sarus Crane is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, reptiles, seeds, and aquatic plants.
• Breeding: The Sarus Crane is a monogamous bird and typically breeds during the rainy season. It constructs large nests made of sticks and reeds in shallow water or on the ground near water bodies. The female lays two eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
• Cultural significance: The Sarus Crane has cultural significance in many parts of India, where it is considered a symbol of marital fidelity and long life. It is also depicted in Indian mythology and folklore.
• Ecological role: The Sarus Crane plays an important ecological role in wetland ecosystems, where it feeds on small animals and plants, and helps to maintain the balance of wetland habitats. It also acts as a bio-indicator of wetland health, as it is sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat conditions.
• Migration: While the Sarus Crane is mostly a resident bird, some populations undertake seasonal movements in response to changing water levels and availability of food. In India, for example, Sarus Cranes in the northwestern parts of the country move to southern states during the winter months.
• Threats: The Sarus Crane faces a number of threats, including habitat loss and degradation due to conversion of wetlands for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development. It is also hunted for its meat and eggs, and is vulnerable to pollution and disturbance.
• Conservation status:
  • In India, the Sarus Crane is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under IUCN Red List.
  • Listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972
• Conservation efforts: A number of conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect the Sarus Crane, including the creation of protected areas, community-based conservation initiatives, and wetland management programs. The species has also been included in a number of regional and international conservation programs, such as the South Asian Waterbird Conservation Programme and the International Crane Foundation’s Sarus Crane Conservation Project.