Project Team:
Dr. Hari Prasad Sharma
Dr. Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai
Dr. Hem Bahadur Katuwal
Project Location:
Lumbini province, Nepal
Funding Agency:
International Crane Foundation
WWF Nepal Program
The global decline in biodiversity is an insistent issue, driven by various factors such as habitat loss, fragmentation, over-exploitation, climate change, invasive alien species, environmental pollution, and infrastructure development. Faunal species are particularly vulnerable to these threats, especially those residing outside the protected areas where inadequate governmental policies and management exacerbate the risks. Despite the presence of suitable habitats for threatened species outside protected areas, these regions remain understudied, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. The knowledge gap is especially notable concerning bird species and their population status outside protected areas. Nepal boasts a rich avifauna, comprising approximately 9% of the world’s bird species, including 43 globally threatened species according to the IUCN Red List. Moreover, globally, around 1,400 bird species face the threat of extinction, particularly large-bodied species with low reproductive rates, such as cranes.
The Sarus Crane is a majestic bird known for its impressive stature, elegant plumage, and graceful behavior. In Nepal, this species primarily inhabits lowland regions within 300 meters of elevation, particularly in districts such as Chitwan, Nawalpur, Parasi, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur. Its preferred habitats include wetlands, agricultural lands, and grasslands rich in grass shoots, cereals, tubers, and corns of marsh plants, as well as providing an abundance of frogs, lizards, fish, and insects for foraging.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the Sarus Crane’s survival as its global population is declining, estimated at 13,000-15,000 individuals. The species faces numerous threats, including habitat degradation, land conversion, anthropogenic disturbances, industrial pollution, pesticide use, nest destruction, and poaching of chicks and eggs. As a result, the Sarus Crane is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and in National Red List Status, and is a protected bird species in Nepal. To develop effective conservation strategies for the Sarus Crane in Nepal, comprehensive data on its current population status, spatial distribution, and factors affecting its distribution are essential. This study aims to generate such data, facilitating the development of species-specific conservation and management action plans.
The study was carried out in the Lumbini Province of Nepal, specifically in the districts of Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Parasi, and Banke during the pre-breeding season (summer) from April to June 2023. To conduct the population survey of Sarus Cranes, a 5 x 5 km grid was overlaid on these districts, with forested habitats being excluded. A total of 117 grids were surveyed. We utilized motorcycles to travel along all available roads within the grids, maximizing the survey area. During the survey, the spatial locations of Sarus Cranes were recorded, and discussions among observers were conducted to prevent double-counting. In addition to population survey data, variables such as major habitat types, crop types, distances to water sources, roads/trails, human settlements, and agricultural lands were recorded. Questionnaire surveys were also conducted to gather information on people’s perceptions of the Sarus Crane’s status and threats, including incidents of electrocution/collision with transmission lines.
A total of 685 individuals of Sarus Crane were observed in the Lumbini Province. Rupendehi had the highest number (n = 382), followed by Kapilvasthu (n = 200), Parasi (n = 70), whereas Banke had the lowest count (n = 33) of cranes. Our study revealed that wetland areas had a positive impact, whereas built-up areas had a negative impact on the presence of Sarus Crane. We conducted interviews with 366 individuals, and almost all of them correctly identified the Sarus Crane in the photograph and accurately named the species. The majority of respondents (57%) reported experiencing a range contraction, whereas only 18% stated that the Sarus Crane was expanding its range. Furthermore, 51% of the participants believed that the population of Sarus Crane was declining, while 15% perceived an increase. According to local people, habitat loss and hunting were identified as the primary threats to the Sarus Crane. Through key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys, we documented 42 instances of Sarus Crane deaths due to electrocution and collisions between 2010 and 2022.
This study was conducted during the pre-breeding season (summer) when the Sarus Crane population tends to congregate, facilitating population counting. Our research provides essential baseline data for the development of conservation policies, particularly during the dry season. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure the maintenance of waterholes both within and near farmland areas, as well as adopt a trans-boundary conservation approach, to support the research and conservation efforts for the Sarus Crane.