Siberian Demoiselle crane

About Siberian Demoiselle crane:

• It is the smallest of crane species which is both solitary and social in behavior.
• This bird is symbolically significant in the culture of India, where it is known as Koonj or Kurjaa.
• These cranes are migratory birds, travelling long distances from their breeding to their wintering grounds.
• Habitat: Itinhabits fields, deserts, steppes, and plains with water in general vicinity.
• Distribution: They are found in central Eurosiberia, ranging from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.
• Breeding range: They breed in Central Eurasia, from the Black Sea to North East China and Mongolia. It winters in the Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.
• While Demoiselle cranes typically travel through Himalayan valleys and enter India via Nepal, Sukpak took a different route, flying through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before entering India through Jaisalmer.
• Conservation efforts in India: Khichan is a key stop for migratory birds in Rajasthan also it has become India’s first reserve dedicated to this species.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least Concern
• Threats: They are threatened by drainage of wetlands and habitat loss, illegal pet trade and suffer hunting pressure.

Q1: What is the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature?

Its primary role involves assessing the conservation status of species, providing data and analysis on the state of biodiversity worldwide, and offering guidance and frameworks for conservation efforts.

News: Siberia to Rajasthan, crane sets a flight record – 3,676 km

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