In a promising sign for bird conservation in India, the 2025 Sarus crane census recorded 34 Sarus cranes in Maharashtra, marking a slight increase from 28 birds in 2024. The resurgence, although modest, is a testament to the persistent grassroots and forest department efforts, especially in the Gondia and Bhandara districts. Standing at nearly six feet tall with a crimson head and graceful stature, the Sarus crane (Grus antigone) is not just the tallest flying bird in the world—it is also a symbol of wetland health, traditional reverence, and human-wildlife harmony

Gondia Leads the Way

Of the total Sarus population in Maharashtra, Gondia district alone recorded 30 birds, making it the most critical stronghold for the species in the state. A total of 53 identified habitats in Gondia were surveyed. This recovery comes after a steady decline in the district's crane population over the last five yearsfrom 45 in 2020 down to 28 in 2024. The 2025 census saw participation from 150 individuals, including forest officers, NGO volunteers, farmers, students, and dedicated Sarus Mitras (friends of the Sarus). They formed 35 teams and began counting at dawn, focusing on wetlands, roosting, and foraging sites from 4:45 am to 9:00 am.

Bhandara’s Steady Growth

In Bhandara, although the numbers remained stable at 4 Sarus cranes, the 2025 census marks a significant milestone: the first confirmed sighting of two distinct Sarus pairs in the district. This development signals the potential for future breeding success if  conservation efforts are maintained and expanded. The census in Bhandara covered 18 habitats with the help of 25–30 local teams, reflecting a growing local interest and responsibility toward wildlife protection.

Conservation Success Rooted in Community Involvement

The census was jointly conducted by the Maharashtra Forest Department, SEWA (Sustaining Environment and Wildlife Assemblage), and SEAT (Save Ecosystem and Tiger). Over the years, these organizations have collaborated with local farmers and communities, emphasizing the value of citizen science and traditional ecological knowledge. Sawan Bahekar, President of SEWA, highlighted a worrying trend: while six nests were recorded in Gondia in 2024, only two succeeded, with the rest being lost to human disturbance and wetland degradation. "The habitat of the Sarus crane is not only shrinking but also deteriorating in its ecological quality," he said, warning that such damage could have far-reaching consequences on the region’s biodiversity.These birds are known to form lifelong monogamous pairs, often nesting in shallow wetlands and farmlands. Their close association with rural landscapes makes them highly vulnerable to changing land-use patterns, pesticide usage, and human intrusion during breeding season.

Guardians of the Skies

What sets this conservation success apart is the intimate human-wildlife relationship. Farmers who once viewed cranes as crop pests now welcome their presence, recognizing the broader ecological balance . Many become Sarus Mitras, actively helping in nest monitoring, wetland protection, and community awareness campaigns. This connection is rooted in the cultural reverence the bird enjoys across Indian traditions, often symbolizing  patience, and grace.  The coordinated efforts in Gondia, Bhandara, and Balaghat serve as a model for future conservation, showing that science, local wisdom, and community participation must work in unison to protect not just a species, but an entire ecosystem.