Rare sarus crane eggs seen in Ayeyawady Delta. Photo: Shin Min
Ornithologists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) who are cooperating with the Forestry Department of Maubin University to protect endangered cranes discovered a large group of sarus cranes, which are considered nearly extinct, in wetlands in the Ayeyawady delta.
Groups of this species of crane have been found in Maubin, Pantanaw, Eainme and Wakema townships in the Ayeyawady delta. Previously thirty-seven sarus crane groups were recorded in Ayeyawady delta.
The population of Sarus cranes has declined not only in Myanmar but also around the world. Only 500 of these rare birds can now be found in Myanmar.
“We found this large group of sarus crane in the area this year with the assistance of local farmers. We need to carry out conservation works, especially in Ayeyawady Delta, to protect the birds from extinction,” said U Thet Zaw Naing, an ornithologist from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
Shin Min