The population of the sarus crane, Uttar Pradesh’s state bird, has increased in the latest winter census conducted across 68 forest divisions. The count rose from 19,994 in the previous year to 20,628, marking an annual increase of 634 birds or 3.1%. The census reflects a steady upward trend in the species’ numbers in the state.
Winter Census Results
The winter survey is part of the statewide sarus census, which is conducted twice a year, in summer and winter. In 2023, the sarus population stood at 19,196. It increased to 19,994 in 2024 and further to 20,628 in the current winter count. Nearly 10,000 citizens participated in the exercise, along with forest department staff.
District-wise Distribution
Etawah forest division recorded the highest population with 3,304 sarus cranes. It was followed by Mainpuri with 2,899, Auraiya with 1,283, Shahjahanpur with 1,078, Gorakhpur with 950, Kannauj with 826, Kanpur Dehat with 777, Hardoi with 752, Siddharthnagar with 736 and Sant Kabir Nagar with 701.
Other Major Habitats
Several other divisions reported sizeable populations. These included Raebareli, Sitapur, Unnao, Bareilly, Sohagibarwa, Barabanki, Banda, Firozabad, Basti, Amethi, Aligarh, Bijnor, Gautam Buddh Nagar, South Kheri, National Chambal, Sultanpur, Kanpur, Bahraich, Farrukhabad, Mathura, Kasganj, Fatehpur, Etah, Badaun, Shravasti, Gonda, Chitrakoot and Deoria. In 29 divisions, the population remained below 100.
Conservation Significance
The census was preceded by surveys of sarus-dominated habitats to identify key areas. The rise in numbers is for wildlife conservation in Uttar Pradesh, where the sarus crane is protected as a flagship species and an indicator of wetland health.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026