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Dryad

Population and conservation threats on the vulnerable Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in Nepal

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Dec 30, 2024 version files 5.91 KB

Abstract

The global decline in biodiversity is driven by habitat loss, fragmentation, over-exploitation, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and infrastructure development, especially outside protected areas where inadequate policies exacerbate risks. These threats have impacted the population of large wading bird species like the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), inhabiting agricultural-wetland areas. Despite predicted increases in built-up areas and declines in agriculture and wetlands areas, there are few studies on the globally vulnerable Sarus Crane in Nepal, focusing on its population status and conservation threats. We assessed the pre-breeding population status of the Sarus Crane in ten 10 known districts of Nepal from April to June 2023. Overall, we recorded 690 Sarus Cranes in five districts of Nepal, with 685 individuals and 11 roosting sites reported in Lumbini Province alone. No Sarus Cranes were observed in the other five districts during this period. Wetland areas and distance to transmission lines had a positive influence on Sarus Crane occurrences, while built-up and farmland areas had a negative influence during the pre-breeding season. Additionally, we recorded 42 fatalities of Sarus Cranes due to electrocution and collisions in the last 12 years in Lumbini Province. Our study provides crucial baseline data for Sarus Crane conservation policies, especially during the dry season when populations congregate in larger flocks. Protecting wetlands within and near farmland areas and adopting transboundary conservation approaches are imperative for the long-term conservation of the Sarus Crane and its habitat.