Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

A Siberian Demoiselle crane, nicknamed Sukpak, has broken the record for the longest migratory flight to Rajasthan.

Details:

Smallest Crane Species	Solitary and social behavior.
Cultural Significance	Known as Koonj or Kurjaa in Indian culture, symbolically significant.
Migration	Migratory birds travel long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
Habitat	Fields, deserts, steppes, and plains with water in the general vicinity.
Distribution	Found in central Eurosiberia, from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.
Breeding Range	Central Eurasia, from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.
Wintering Range	Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.
Migration Routes	Enter India via Himalayan valleys or alternate routes like through Russia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
Conservation Efforts in India	Khichan in Rajasthan is India's first reserve dedicated to Demoiselle Cranes.
Conservation Status	IUCN: Least Concern.
Threats	Wetland drainage, habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and hunting pressure.

Note- Rajasthan has five recognized national parks, namely Mukundra Hills National Park, Desert National Park, Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, and Sariska National Park.

Name	Location	Significance/Features
Ranthambore National Park	Sawai Madhopur	Famous for its tiger population, located in the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges.
Sariska Tiger Reserve	Alwar	Known for tigers and leopard populations, also home to diverse flora and fauna.
Keoladeo National Park	Bharatpur	A UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for bird watching, home to migratory species.
Desert National Park	Jaisalmer	Unique desert ecosystem, home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary	Mount Abu	Rajasthan's only hill station, known for its rich flora and fauna including leopards.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary	Rajsamand	Famous for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, and scenic views of Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary	Udaipur	Known for its lake, rich aquatic life, and diverse species like crocodiles and tigers.
Maharaja National Park	Sawai Madhopur	Lesser-known park, with significant wildlife diversity.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary	Chittorgarh	Known for wildlife like panthers, wild boar, and various bird species.
Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary	Churu	Known for blackbuck conservation and migratory birds.
Rishabhdeo Wildlife Sanctuary	Udaipur	Famous for its rich birdlife, including waterfowl and raptors.
Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary	Bundi	Rich in biodiversity, home to leopards, hyenas, and tigers.

Source:

TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the Siberian Demoiselle Crane:

It is a migratory species primarily found in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Siberian Demoiselle Crane is known for its unique migratory route through Central Asia, India, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Khichan in Rajasthan has become a key reserve for Siberian Demoiselle Cranes in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Siberian Demoiselle Crane is found in Central Eurosiberia, from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China, and not in Central and Eastern Europe.

Statement 2 is Correct. The Siberian Demoiselle Crane follows a migratory route through Central Asia, entering India via regions like Rajasthan, with some even continuing to sub-Saharan Africa during winter.

Statement 3 is Correct. Khichan in Rajasthan is a significant stopover for migratory Siberian Demoiselle Cranes, making it one of the primary conservation areas in India for this species.