Sarus crane  (Grus antigone)

Three populations of the sarus crane are currently recognised and each occupies a distinct range. The Indian sarus crane population is found in Pakistan, northern and central India and Nepal. The eastern sarus crane population was historically found throughout Southeast Asia but is now confined to Cambodia and Vietnam, with a small remnant population persisting in Myanmar. Finally, the Australian sarus crane population is found in northern Australia. Although the Indian population is largely resident, the eastern sarus crane populationin Indochina migrates from breeding areas in Cambodia to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam outside of the breeding season (2). There has been recent debate as to whether these populations are in fact distinct subspecies. However, a recent genetic assessment of the populations suggests that although previously classified as subspecies, they may not be genetically diverse enough to allow them to be regarded as such, and therefore should be regarded only as separate populations (6).

Found in a variety of wetland habitats, grasslands and cultivated fields; associated with areas where there is a mixture of flooded and dry ground (7). Recent studies have shown that natural wetlands are crucial breeding and foraging habitats for sarus cranes (8).