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.