Biological Status and Conservation Concerns of Cranes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Case Study from District Lakki Marwat

Abstract

Cranes are significant and beautiful birds having long neck, legs and colorful. It is a group of birds that can boost the human spirit. During the present study 106 crane keepers of different villages in District Lakki Marwat were interviewed. Out of them 42 (39.6%) kept two breeding pairs, 27 hunters kept one breeding pair and the remaining had more than two breeding pairs in their home. Most of the crane keepers 52.2% were told that cranes laying two eggs and they hatching their eggs successfully. Some crane keepers told that sometime crane hatched one egg and rotten the second one due disturbance and climatic condition. The average incubation period was found 27 days. The fledging time of young one was an average of 90 days. Mostly cranes start breeding in the March and April and keep their young ones with them till the upcoming breeding season. They do not allow any person, animal or any object in their locality. The food of young ones is slightly different from adults and mostly includes grasshopper, insect larvae and Maize, bread. The hunters along with cranes they also hunting pheasant, Quails, Ducks and keeps them in captivity for aesthetic beauty and commercial purposes in Lakki Marwat. During this study it was found that breeding and hunting is a common practice in District Lakki Marwat which posing severs threats to the cranes population. Strict action is essential by the wildlife department to stop firing at cranes and other migratory birds in Lakki Marwat.