JODHPUR, Oct. 14 -- Flocks of Demoiselle Cranes, migratory birds that arrive in thousands every year, are still awaited in Khinchan village of Phalodi district this year. Satellite tagging and field monitoring indicate that last week's reverse monsoon rains in Rajasthan have created temporary water bodies and moist pastures in Churu and surrounding semi-arid areas, providing favorable resting and feeding grounds for the migratory cranes. As a result, the cranes have temporarily halted their migration. According to experts, as soon as the weather stabilizes and the monsoon clouds clear, the main flocks are expected to reach Jodhpur and Phalodi districts within the next week. Kristina and Dr. Elena Ilyashenko, who study crane migration in South Asia and Russia, shared the current status of the tagged Demoiselle Cranes with Dr. Dau Lal Bohra, Head of the Department of Zoology at Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar College, Jhunjhunu, who is part of an international network tracking migratory birds. Bohra said that Demoiselle Cranes left their breeding grounds in Russia and Mongolia for their autumn migration at the usual time, but the main flock has not yet reached Phalodi or Jodhpur districts. Satellite tagging and field monitoring indicate that the migration is continuing, although this time it is slightly delayed. According to satellite-tagged cranes, the migration began on September 15, 2025, from Tyva and on September 18, 2025, from Buryatia (Russia). The initial flocks crossed the Himalayas and reached Nepal on October 4, which is consistent with the normal migration timeline. Currently, these flocks are moving towards western India via Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. He added that some tagged cranes have already entered Rajasthan, specifically the districts of Alwar, Jaipur, Sikar, Nagaur, Churu, and Jodhpur. According to Bohra, the main reason for the delay in their arrival in the Jodhpur region is the reverse monsoon rains that occurred in Rajasthan last week. This has created temporary reservoirs and moist pastures in Churu and surrounding semi-arid areas, providing favorable resting and feeding grounds for the migratory cranes. As a result, the cranes have temporarily halted their migration. This year, their migration route remains similar to previous years, stretching from Central Asia (Russia, Mongolia) to western India. This indicates that their natural migratory behavior remains stable despite climate change. The cranes were tagged in the Buryatia and Tyva regions, and they have now reached the southern part of Rajasthan. He explained that the global population of Demoiselle Cranes is estimated to be between 230,000 and 261,000, and the species is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their population in Asia is estimated to be between 170,000 and 220,000. Their main breeding areas are Central and East Asia, especially Mongolia and China. In Rajasthan, these cranes, locally known as "Kurja," migrate in large numbers during the winter. However, they face a number of threats, including bird flu, collisions with power lines, predation by stray dogs, and poisoning from pesticide-laced grain. Experts added that with Khinchan recently being recognized as a Ramsar site, Kurja conservation in the region requires special attention and better management to stabilize their populations and ensure long-term conservation....