Nest site selection by Sarus Crane Grus antigone antigone in the Wetlands of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

In present study, nest site selection of Sarus Cranes Grus Antigone was studied in Lucknow district from May 2014 to June 2016. According to study results, Sarus cranes preferred ponds and lakes and avoided agricultural swampy areas. Factors associated with the selection of nest sites included water body size, distance to water, water depth and the level of nest concealment. Nest size was a function of the habitat used for nesting; nests were largest in lakes, and slightly smaller in ponds habitats. Preferred nest sites by Sarus Cranes were associated with large water bodies in pond (76617.4 m2), a certain water depth (average 77.9, 118.3 and 65 cm pond, lake and agricultural marshland respectively), and a certain distance from the mainland (54.3, 95.1 and 51 m pond, lake and agricultural marshland respectively) of wetland.