Demoiselle Crane Conservation in Annapurna
Using Education to Reverse Nepal’s Migratory Bird Population Decline
Feb 9, 2009
The demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) is not an endangered species yet. But the crane's numbers are declining in most of its range. Friends of Nature Nepal (FON) is working with local farmers and schoolchildren to change how this bird is viewed.
The Demoiselle Crane
Demoiselle are the smallest of the crane family, standing only about three feet tall. They live in dry grasslands but generally within a short distance of a water source, such as streams, lakes or wetlands. Although they feed primarily on plants, particularly cereal grains, they are omnivorous. Insects and small animals are a regular part of their diet.
Threats to Demoiselle Cranes
As with so many species, the biggest threat to the Demoiselle crane is habitat loss and degradation. But the Demoiselle also faces persecution as agricultural communities harass, injure or kill cranes that feed on grain crops. In some countries, Demoiselle cranes are also hunted for food or simply for sport. Demoiselle cranes may also be captured for the pet trade.
The Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal is one of the places where the Demoiselle crane faces harassment from farmers. Arriving at the peak of the harvest and often delayed in their migration by fog, the cranes forage in local fields, damaging crops.
The Friends of Nature Nepal Program
In an effort to ensure the survival of Demoiselle cranes passing through Nepal, Friends of Nature teaches farmers alternate methods of keeping the cranes out of valuable croplands. Noise hazing, making loud sounds on metal objects such as tin cans, has proved useful in chasing the birds away without harming them.
Farmers and schoolchildren, who often wield slingshots against the cranes, are being taught that cranes also eat harmful insects and small animals, which may also be raiding crops. These same people often view birds on migration as not belonging to the area, not understanding that the same populations of cranes come through every year.
And Nepal, long popular with trekkers, is becoming known as a bird watching destination. Ensuring that local people are aware of the income that such visitors bring helps encourage them to protect the Demoiselle cranes migrating through the area.
Why Protect a Species That's Not Endangered?
It may seem that funds would better be spent on protecting endangered species but in reality, once a species is considered for endangered listing, there are many factors against its recovery. Preventing habitat loss, ensuring that genetic variability is not lost and engaging local people in the protection of species such as the Demoiselle crane will in the long run be the most efficient way to conserve wildlife.
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