Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone, synonym Grus antigone) belongs to Gruiformes Order and Gruidae Family. The bird is native to Nepal, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Viet Nam. It is an uncommon and local resident in the west-central terai of Nepal. The farmlands of Rupandehi and Kapilvastu Districts are the main known area where it breeds regularly. These farmlands are an important bird and biodiversity area of Nepal. Sarus Crane is also reported from Beldandi and Kalikich wetlands of Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (2003), Badhaiya Tal of Bardia (2011), Nepalgunj in Banke district (2010, 2015), Dang district (2015), Jagdishpur Reservoir – a ramsar site (2006-2008) and Nawalparasi-Chitwan districts of Chitwan National Park and Bufferzone (2008-2011). The estimated population of Sarus Crane in Nepal is more than 700 individuals. It is listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List category. Nepal Bird Red Data Book also categorizes it as a vulnerable species. The legal status of this globally threatened species in Nepal is Protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and Appendix II in CITES law.
For more information:- Inskipp et al. 2016.
