DEMOISELLE CRANES: ENVIRONMENT

DEMOISELLE CRANES: ENVIRONMENT

NEWS: This crane has charted it longest course yet; Flies nearly 3,676 km from North Pole to Rajasthan

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Demoiselle cranes, the smallest crane species, migrate long distances between Eurasia and their wintering grounds in India and Africa, with Khichan in Rajasthan serving as India’s first reserve dedicated to their conservation. Despite being listed as Least Concern by IUCN, they face threats like habitat loss, wetland drainage, and hunting.

Demoiselle Cranes

Smallest Crane Species: Demoiselle cranes are the smallest among crane species.

Behavior: Exhibit both solitary and social behavior depending on the season and context.

Cultural Significance:

    • Known as Koonj or Kurjaa in Indian culture.
    • Symbolically significant in Indian folklore and traditions.

Migration:

    • Migratory birds that travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
    • Enter India through Himalayan valleys or alternate routes like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.

Habitat:

    • Found in fields, deserts, steppes, and plains, generally near water bodies.

Distribution:

    • Breeding range: Central Eurasia, from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.
    • Wintering range: Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.

Conservation Efforts in India:

    • Khichan in Rajasthan is India’s first reserve dedicated to Demoiselle cranes.

Conservation Status:

    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.

Threats:

    • Wetland drainage and habitat loss.

    • Illegal pet trade and hunting pressure.