Uttar Pradesh is home to the sarus crane, the world’s tallest flying bird and India’s only resident breeding crane. Notably, the sarus is also the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, giving it special cultural and ecological importance.
Earlier, sarus cranes were often seen as a problem by farmers because they nested in agricultural fields. However, over time, attitudes have changed as awareness about their role in the ecosystem has grown. Meanwhile, shrinking wetlands due to farming expansion and infrastructure projects forced the birds to adapt. As a result, sarus cranes began nesting in flooded croplands that closely resemble natural wetlands.
At present, more than 95% of wetlands in Uttar Pradesh lie outside protected forest areas. Therefore, conservation efforts cannot rely only on wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. To address this challenge, the Sarus Habitat Securement Project was launched by the Wildlife Trust of India. It is being implemented in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, with support from Tata Trusts and the World Land Trust.
The project focuses on 10 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, where sarus cranes are commonly found. So far, around 100 water bodies used by the birds for nesting and survival have been identified and regularly monitored.
Most importantly, local farmers and villagers have become central to conservation efforts. Under the project, community members form local protection groups that guard nests, eggs, and chicks during the breeding season. Consequently, damage to nests has reduced significantly.
In addition, awareness programmes were organised to explain how sarus cranes help agriculture. For instance, the birds loosen soil while walking and feed on insects and pests harmful to crops. As a result, farmers began seeing the crane as a friend rather than a threat.
Regular monitoring is carried out, and biannual censuses are conducted to track crane populations and nesting success. As per recent data, hundreds of nests are protected every breeding season. Moreover, thousands of sarus cranes have been recorded across the project areas.
Beyond saving a single species, the initiative also helps protect wetlands. These wetlands support many other plants and animals and help in water conservation. Thus, the project strengthens overall ecological balance in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Today, sightings of sarus cranes are celebrated by villagers, who report and protect them on their own. In this way, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leading example of community-driven conservation.
From conflict to coexistence, the sarus crane story shows how local participation can protect wildlife while also supporting ecosystems and rural livelihoods.
