131 sarus cranes spotted in Awadh forest division after two-day census
A census conducted by the Uttar Pradesh forest department has spotted 131 Sarus cranes in the Awadh Forest division, including in the city's Malihabad area after several years. The sighting suggests a conducive environment for the birds to thrive. The census data for the entire state will be released soon. Sarus cranes are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and cannot be kept as pets.
After the two-day census conducted by the Uttar Pradesh forest department, as many as 131 Sarus cranes were spotted in the Awadh Forest division.
Adding to the excitement of ornithophiles, the Sarus cranes were also spotted in city’s Malihabad area and that too after a gap of several years.
“Sarus cranes being spotted in Malihabad area is significant as this shows that these birds are getting conducive environment to thrive. The census was done on June 26 and 27 and we hope there will be growth in final figure for the state,” said Amita Kanaujia, professor in zoology department at the University of Lucknow, who has been part of the census.
“In the Awadh forest division, a total 126 adult and 5 young Sarus cranes were spotted. A maximum of 65 adults and 2 young Sarus cranes were spotted in Mahdoiya section alone,” said Ravi K Singh, divisional forest officer, Awadh range.
Meanwhile, four Saraus cranes were spotted in Kukrail, 31 in BKT, four in Malihabad, four in Sarojininagar, and 21 in Mohanlalganj, said Singh, sharing details of the census.
In 2022, over 19,000 Sarus cranes were present in the state according to the census.
“We are collating the data and the figures will be released soon for the entire state,” said Mamata Sanjeev Dubey, principal chief conservator of forest and head of forest force, Uttar Pradesh.
The Sarus crane falls under schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and rules do not allow anyone to keep it in their home.