Local People Perception towards Conservation and Management of Sarus Crane (Grus antigone antigone L.) in Central Gujarat Region

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.