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Context :

• Recently, A rare capture of the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) was reported in the Saikhowa region of Tinsukia Assam.

Key Details:

• Scientific Name: Grus Antigone.
• Distribution:
  • It is Found in Southeast Asia, northern India, & northern Australia.
  • In India, they are distributed along the Gangetic plain & eastern Rajasthan with decreasing populations further south.
  • It is Non migratory
• Habitat: they are Typically found in wetlands like canals, marshes, & ponds.
• They are sometimes seen near human settlements as well..

Physical Features:

• Height: 152-156 cm tall (it is tallest flying bird in the world).
• Wingspan: Up to 5 meters.
• Weight: Between 5 to 12 kg.
• Plumage: grey with a naked red head and upper neck, & pale red legs. It also has a white patch on the top of its head & a small white spot behind the eye.
• Social Behavior: Sarus cranes are monogamous & generally live in pairs or small groups of 3-4.
• They mate for life & they are considered the least social of the crane species.

Reproduction:

• Nests: they built on water in natural wetlands or flooded paddy fields.

Lifespan:

• Sarus Cranes can live for 30-40 years though some species of cranes have been known to live up to 80 years.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• CITES: Appendix II.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule IV.

Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assam-rare-sarus-crane-spotted-in-tinsukias-saikhowa-region