Nagpur: The number of sarus cranes, whose status is ‘vulnerable’ in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list, has gone up by seven in Gondia and neighbouring Balaghat districts.Results of the estimation of the tallest birds were declared on Sunday. The six-day exercise was conducted between 5am and 11am from June 10 to June 15, 2018 by over 50-60 volunteers of Sustaining Environment & Wildlife Assemblage (SEWA) in Gondia and neighbouring Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh besides Bhandara and Chandrapur districts.“The increasing number of birds, which are only found in Gondia and Bhandara and a small number in Chandrapur, is a positive sign of revival of their population. For the last three years, the number was almost stable at 82-83,” said Sawan Bahekar, president of SEWA.During 2017 estimation, 35 birds were recorded in Gondia while 45 in Balaghat. In Bhandara and Chandrapur, two and one sarus cranes were recorded respectively. In 2018, overall 90 birds have been recorded including 38 in Gondia, 48 in Balaghat, three in Bhandara and one in Chandrapur. In 2004, the number was five.The number has gone up this year despite death of five birds including two sub-adults last year. Two cranes had died due to pesticide poisoning and one was electrocuted. Two chicks fell victim to thunderstorm in February.“This is the bare minimum number as overlapping populations moving in Gondia and Balaghat districts have not been taken into consideration. The volunteers scanned potential farms, habitat near lakes and rivers,” says Bahekar.Sarus conservationist Abhay Kochar from Balaghat said, “The number could increase due to awareness among farmers not to use pesticides. Throughout the year, the volunteers also maintain community connect with local farmers.”Sarus cranes are listed in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The majestic tall birds are found only in Gondia-Balaghat, and Bhandara and Chandrapur.Bahekar called for a joint conservation action plan to save sarus. As of now there is no special program or awareness drives by the forest department or district administration against use of pesticides among farmers to conserve the bird species.

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