Analyzing Multifactorial Threat Dynamics Impacting Over-Wintering Migratory Crane Species in West District of Punjab, Pakistan

This study examines the key threats facing overwintering Demoiselle (Grus virgo) and Common (Grus grus) Cranes along the Indus Flyway in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Field surveys conducted from September 2023 to March 2024 recorded 212 cranes that were either killed or captured. These incidents were primarily associated with household consumption by local residents (61%). A considerable proportion involved live capture for illegal trade and domestication (29%), while a smaller fraction was attributed to recreational sport hunting by visiting hunters (10%). Land-use analysis from 2000 to 2024 documented substantial land cover changes across District Bhakkar, including 1,333 km2 of urban expansion, fluctuating vegetation cover, and a critical wetland loss of approximately 75% (from 187 km2 to 46 km2) over the study period. Utility line collisions further contributed to crane mortality, with three Demoiselle Crane carcasses recorded along a 20 km survey route. These findings highlight the urgent need for stronger anti-poaching enforcement, wetland habitat restoration, and power line mitigation measures to safeguard migratory cranes along this critical corridor.