Uttar Pradesh needs no introduction to Sarus Cranes.  The Sarus Crane is the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.  These birds have always been known to inhabit the state, and even historic epics originating from the state have made references to the species (Leslie 1998).  Kings and emperors have noted the presence of these large unmistakable birds and personal notes by these royalties values on the species owing to their habit of pairing for life and it has been recorded that this sentiment led to protection of few populations from locals (Gole 1996).  Save for a few districts that form part of the lower Himalaya, the rest of the large state is very congenial for the well being of the Sarus Crane.  Wetlands are found in large numbers in the state though, of late, they are threatened due to increased human activity (Rahmani & Arora 1991, Choudhury & Rao, 1996).

The Gangetic river system with several smaller rivers crisscrosses almost through the entire length and breadth of the state.  This has led to the proliferation of wetlands and related systems all over the state agriculture has benefited.  Aquatic birds such as the Sarus Crane have ample number of places to forage and breed within the state.   The state has the largest population of Sarus Cranes among the states in India where Sarus is distributed as per the Wildlife Institute of India’s survey in 1998-99.  The survey had recorded 73.04% of the Sarus population of Uttar Pradesh only in four districts namely Mainpuri, Etawah, Etah and Aligarh.  While 35 districts of Uttar Pradesh had provided evidences of occurrence of Sarus during this survey, in the annual sarus count conducted by the WII have also recorded occurrence of Sarus in other districts.

The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department conducted the state wide Sarus count on 20th June 2010 with financial support of the Sarus Protection Samiti. For details of the same see Sarus Count link.