Abstract:
The present socio-economic study was conducted to know the local perception and
conservation mindset of local peoples towards sarus crane. Total 15 peoples representing
73 family members from 8 villages of two tehsils from two districts of central Gujarat
were interviewed. All respondents engaged in agriculture or related occupation. These
farmers possess small landholdings and low annual income. Farmers from this 8 village
sighted a total of 266 sarus cranes. Sarus crane prefers a faraway corner of a farm as a nest
location with minimum disturbance. Farmers believe that disturbing them can bring bad
omen to them. Farmers feel pleasant and happy with the presence of sarus crane in their
field. Farmers also conserve the sarus crane by protecting the nest and protecting eggs
from stealing and chicks from dogs. The soil sample analysis suggests that this soil is rich
in sodium, which is indirectly beneficial for sarus crane as farmers will use little or no
chemical fertilizers in the field. Due to the welcoming approach of locals, the agricultural
landscape of central Gujarat became an important breeding site for sarus cranes.
Community involvement through awareness and educating the youngsters about the
importance of the species is the key for Sarus conservation.
