SESSION-11: Land use, urban planning
PAPER-1: Effects of Changing Landuse Pattern
on Sarus Crane (Grus antigone antigone) Habitat: A Review
Romesh Kumar Sharma

Abstract:

Any change in land use pattern, whether urban, forest, agriculture or riverine habitat causes serious threat to fauna as well as flora of the area. Presently the population of Sarus Crane Grus antigone antigone in districts i.e . Mainpuri and Etawah of Uttar Pradesh state is facing problem due to changing pattern in agriculture activities around the potential wetlands. These two districts supports number of natural wetlands and these wetlands supports a great concentration of Sarus Crane in India. Recent development activities in farming techniques, fishing and excess use of pesticides/insecticide within its range of distribution, have considerably affected the range and population of the Sarus Crane. Natural wetlands are being drained for agriculture land use; while lakes and a village pond that dries up are also being exploited for agriculture and domestic purposes. With shrinking of the wetlands, the range of nesting and availability of food resources for the Sarus Cane is becoming obscure. Finally, the threats are increasing for this endangered species of bird. Now a day, it is not easy for Sarus Crane to survive without fear in their breeding ground.