DefinePK

Abstract

In the present study, 73 crane keepers/hunters were interviewed in the FR Bannu region visited and total of 131 active breeding pairs were found in captivity with them. Total of 261 eggs were laid out of which 215 (82.37%) were hatched successfully while the remaining 46 (17.63%) were addled. The average incubation period was 29.1 days. The survival rate of adults and chicks was noted which was 100% and 76.49% respectively. It was also noted that the cranes can lay from 2-6 new eggs when the old ones are removed at the time of laying. The fledging time of young ones was an average of 77 days. The parental care duration in captive demoiselle crane was 1 year. The adults were fed with the different types of food of plant and animal sources (vertebrates and invertebrates). The food of adults was slightly different from that of young ones and mostly includes grasshopper, millet, insects and meat. Our study indicated that the survival rate of young ones (Demoiselle cranes) was quite low (76.49%) as compared to the adult (100%). A large number of young ones/chicks die due to various diseases because the young ones are very susceptible to the disease. Many also die in accidents involving electric wires, trees and walls, as they were not mentally so mature as compared to the adults. Serious measures are required to be taken in order to stop crane hunting in these areas. As the hunting and pouching of Cranes are increasing in this area which are strongly affecting their population and migration pattern. They have changed their migratory routes as most of the locals of the area are involved in hunting.