Bijnor: The number of sarus cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, has gone from 111 last year to 140 this year in various ranges under Bijnor division, forest officials said here on Tuesday. They said the actual count could be more as the census teams could not visit some spots due to the impending rainy season.A three-day sarus crane census, undertaken by the forest department authorities, revealed that the bird count has gone up. The exercise is undertaken twice a year — during winter and the rainy season — under the crane conservation programme. The last census was conducted in December, 2016. Eleven teams of the forest department conducted the census this time.According to divisional forest officer M Semmaran, “Last year, about 111 cranes were spotted and counted in different ranges of Bijnor division. But this year, about 140 cranes were seen. As many as 34 cranes were spotted in Amangarh, 32 in Bijnor range, 22 in Dhampur, 28 in Nagina, 11 in Chandpur and 13 in Najibabad.”The official said though only 140 were spotted, there could be more cranes as the teams could not go to all spots. In addition, the bird hides amidst standing sugarcane crop and it is difficult to spot it, Semmaran added.Giving details, Semmaran said, “The crane is a beautiful bird distinguished from other cranes in the region by its overall grey colour and contrasting red head and upper neck.. It stands at about four feet in height. It is a love bird and lives in pairs. If one dies, the other partner also dies soon after.”Asked why the count had increased in Bijnor district, the DFO said there were plenty of water bodies in the district, providing a natural habitat for it.“There is a lot of water in the district as there are many rivers, canals, lakes and ponds district where they can live. In addition to this, people do not hunt it but respect it as the crane is considered a sign of good luck.”

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