Sarus crane conservationists have recorded the first sarus crane nest of 2026 in the Kyon Ka Pyin–Tap Seik Community Conservation Area (KTCCA) in Wakema Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

The nest was discovered and documented on July 8 as part of KTCCA’s annual nesting survey, with support from local communities. The group said the number of sarus crane nests in the conservation area has been increasing year by year.

Sarus cranes breed during the rainy season, building nests and laying one or two eggs before raising a single brood each year. Wakema Township is considered one of the species’ most important habitats in Ayeyarwady Region, where the birds are found across 14 townships.

KTCCA said the cranes have a long-standing cultural and ecological connection with local farming communities. Their breeding cycle closely matches the rice-growing season, with flooded paddy fields providing safe nesting sites and abundant food for adults and chicks.

The community-led conservation group also carries out biodiversity monitoring, environmental education, fisheries conservation and sustainable natural resource management in cooperation with partner organizations.

The sarus crane is a year-round resident in Myanmar and can also be found in Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, Bago, Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions.