Common Crane spotted in Manas for first time

Migratory bird Common Crane or Grus Grus was spotted for the first time in Manas Tiger Reserve in western Assam.
"Common cranes have been reported from eastern Assam, but this is the first instance of it being sighted in Manas," Wildlife Trust of India's Coordinator Dr Rathin Barman said.
There appears to be no record of the species in Manas, but (in addition to eastern Assam) they are reported in Bhutan and Bengal too, he said.
The one-and-a-half year old avian was found alone by locals from Bhunkipara and members of the Raigajli Ecotourism Society handed it over to the International Fund for Animal Welfare(IFAW)-WTI.

The bird was admitted to IFAW-WTI's Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) and was currently under the care of veterinarian Dr Panjit Basumatary.
"The bird was dehydrated and had several injuries when brought to the centre but it has recovered now and started taking small flights," WTI's Regional Head Bhaskar Choudhury said.

As it is a migratory species, its release is complicated as compared to those of the resident birds and "our efforts are on to locate a flock in the area as well as in Bhutan to attempt reunion," he said.
The common crane is a migratory Eurasian breed from East Scandinavia and its migratory paths, during winter, include China, Vietnam, Burma and the Indian subcontinent, in Asia.

In Assam, it is sighted in Orang National Park, Majuli, Panidihing and Dibru Saikowa Wildlife Sanctuary.