The 10th Annual Sarus Crane Count shows Gujarat's growing success in biodiversity conservation through community-led efforts and scientific monitoring
GANDHINAGAR, 26 June 2025: UPL Ltd., a global leader in sustainable agriculture solutions, has reported a 195% increase in the population of the Indian Sarus Crane in Gujarat since 2015. The Tenth Annual Sarus Crane Count, conducted on June 21, 2025, documented 1,477 Sarus cranes across 199 villages and 18 talukas—up from just 500 in 2015-16.
This remarkable success is the result of a community-led conservation program launched by UPL in collaboration with the Forest Department and local stakeholders.
“Our Sarus Crane Conservation Program reflects UPL’s long-standing commitment to biodiversity and sustainable co-existence,” said Mr. Rishi Pathania, Vice President – CSR, UPL. “Today, Gujarat hosts the second-largest wild Sarus crane population in India—a direct result of consistent conservation, habitat protection, and community involvement.”
Community-Centric and Science-Based Conservation
The Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), the world’s tallest flying bird, is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. Traditionally reliant on wetlands, the species has increasingly adapted to agricultural landscapes for feeding and breeding, making farmer engagement crucial for its protection.
UPL's initiative has focused on grassroots education, myth-busting, and voluntary protection practices, creating the Rural Sarus Protection Groups and collaborating with students, conservationists, and government staff.
According to Dr. Jatinder Kaur, Program Manager of UPL’s Sarus Conservation Program:
“This year’s count revealed a major shift in congregation patterns, with larger numbers recorded in agricultural fields—likely influenced by recent rainfall patterns affecting wetland conditions.”
Key Highlights from 2025-26 Count:
- Total Sarus cranes recorded: 1,477
- Sub-adults counted: 147
- Largest congregation: Limbasi and Vastana (153 cranes in fields)
- Top wetland sites: Ozralla (86), Pariej (69), Traj (65)
- Nesting pairs observed: 6, successfully hatching 8 juveniles
- New sighting area: A pair with a sub-adult recorded in Jambusar for the first time
These findings suggest evolving breeding behavior and a widening range of the species within Gujarat.
A Collaborative Effort
The survey mobilized 120 participants from diverse backgrounds:
- 24 Rural Sarus Protection Group volunteers
- 31 UPL employee volunteers
- 8 members from Social Forestry Division, Nadiad
- 22 volunteers from Voluntary Nature Conservancy
- 18 college students from Gujarat University, M.S. University, and others
- 8 government school teachers from Matar taluka
- 6 volunteers from Nature Health Foundation, Anand
“This count isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowering local people to become stewards of their environment,” said Dr. Kaur.
