NEWS – A Siberian Demoiselle crane, nicknamed Sukpak, has set a new record for the longest migratory flight, covering 3,676 km from Siberia to Rajasthan, India. This remarkable journey took an unusual route, deviating from the typical migration path of Demoiselle cranes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Flight Record: 3,676 km Journey

• Sukpak’s Migration: The crane, tagged in the remote Tyva Republic of Russia, flew to Rajasthan’s Khichan in Phalodi district, breaking the previous record of 2,800 km.
• Tagged and Tracked: Sukpak was tagged on July 20, 2024, by Elena Mudrik, a Russian crane researcher, in Tyva. The bird was identified by a distinctive yellow-blue ring on its leg.
• Australian Tourist’s Observation: Sukpak was spotted and photographed at Khichan’s famous feeding station by Carolyn Synnott, an Australian tourist.

Conservation Efforts and Khichan Reserve

• Khichan’s Role: The area has become a vital wintering ground for nearly 20,000 Demoiselle cranes, making it a key site for their conservation.
• India’s First Crane Reserve: Khichan has been designated as India’s first reserve dedicated to the Demoiselle crane, underscoring the importance of protecting these birds and their habitat.

Siberian Demoiselle Crane: Key Facts

• Behavior: The Siberian Demoiselle crane is both solitary and social, depending on the situation.
• Symbolic Significance: Known as Koonj or Kurjaa in India, the species holds cultural importance.
• Habitat: These cranes are found in fields, deserts, steppes, and plains with nearby water sources.
• Migration: They breed in Central Eurasia and migrate to India and sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.
• Threats: These cranes face threats such as habitat loss, drainage of wetlands, illegal pet trade, and hunting pressures.