Knowledge, attitudes, and conservation threats to globally vulnerable Sarus Cranes in Lumbini Province, Nepal

Ninety-five percent of respondents in Lumbini Province, Nepal, were unaware of the Sarus Crane's national and global conservation status, despite 96% advocating for stronger protection measures. This globally threatened species faces significant threats from habitat loss (44%), hunting (19%), and wetland deterioration (16%). While nearly all respondents correctly identified the crane, only one-third had observed its nests, with over half perceiving a decline in nesting sites and distribution range over the past decade. The study, conducted through interviews with 459 individuals across four districts in 2023, highlights the urgent need for community engagement, wetland restoration, and awareness programs to safeguard this iconic species outside protected areas.

Bhattarai, B. P., Katuwal, H. B., Regmi, S., Nepali, A., Suwal, R. N., Acharya, R., KC, S., Aryal, B., Tamang, K., Rawal, B., Basnet, A., Baral, B. D., Devkota, S., Parajuli, S., Regmi, N., Kandel, P., Subedi, B., Giri, H. S., Gurung, G. S., et al. (2025). Knowledge, attitudes, and conservation threats to globally vulnerable Sarus Cranes in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Discover Conservation, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44353-025-00034-2