The Eastern sarus crane (Grus antigone sharpii) is a large and the tallest species of crane in the world within the group of flying birds. Its natural range encompasses parts of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

 Interesting Facts

Prominent Characteristics:

            The Eastern sarus crane is characterized by its predominantly gray plumage, contrasting with bare, reddish-orange skin on the crown and upper neck. During the breeding season, this skin becomes tuberculate. A prominent gray or greenish-gray patch adorns the crown, while the long neck and pinkish-red legs are distinctive features. When in flight, both the neck and legs are fully extended. It has gray ear feathers and orange-red irises. The average height of an adult is 150-180 centimeters, with some individuals reaching 200 centimeters, making them easily visible in open habitats. The wingspan typically ranges from 220-250 centimeters, with males being slightly larger than females. 

Renowned for their lifelong pair bond, like other cranes, Eastern sarus cranes breed during the monsoon season, defending their territories with vocalizations, wing displays, and elaborate courtship dances.

Primary Diet:

The natural diet of Eastern sarus cranes includes grasshoppers, frogs, mollusks, water snakes, rice seeds, fish, and aquatic plants. In zoological settings, their diet is supplemented with formulated pellet feed.

Habitat:
             Eastern sarus cranes are found in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, inhabiting wetlands, agricultural areas, and rice fields.

Reproduction:

            Eastern sarus cranes are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs. They breed between July and September, constructing large nests woven from twigs. Females typically lay 1–3 eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of approximately 31–34 days.

Lifespan: 

In the wild, Eastern sarus cranes have an average lifespan of approximately 42 years.

Conservation Status:

            The Eastern sarus crane is currently listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  It is classified as one of the 20 protected species under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act of 2019.

            The population of the Eastern sarus crane in Thailand has been significantly affected by habitat and food source degradation due to changes in human activities, as well as past hunting practices. These pressures led Thailand, 50 years ago, to declare the species extinct in the wild.

            Previously, the Zoological Park Organization has implemented a program to reintroduce the Eastern sarus crane into the wild. In 2011, the organization began breeding the species from parent cranes at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. Once a sufficient population was established, a suitable release site was identified at the Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir Non-hunting Area in Buriram Province which was deemed ideal for supporting a diverse range of bird species. Since then, Eastern sarus cranes have been reintroduced to the wild with collaborative efforts from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, local government agencies in Buriram Province, and community outreach initiatives. Education and engagement with nearby communities have significantly contributed to the cranes’ high survival rate, allowing them to thrive once more in harmony with the local wetland ecosystem of Buriram. 

Interesting Fact: 

In India, the crane is a symbol of marital fidelity. It is believed that when one member of a pair dies, the surviving crane will grieve so deeply that it may die of a broken heart.