Black-necked crane

Black-necked crane The Wildlife Institute of India and the Zoological Survey of India have been carrying out assessment of the black-necked cranes in Ladakh, revealing a population size of approximately 66-69 individuals.

• In Ladakh, the survey revealed a population size of approximately 66-69 individuals, offering crucial insights into the species’ status in the region.

About Black-necked Crane:

• The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a medium-sized crane in Asia that breeds on the Tibetan Plateau and remote parts of India and Bhutan.
• Features:
  • It is whitish-gray, with a black head, red crown patch, black upper neck and legs, and white patch to the rear of the eye.
  • The tail is black and makes it easy to distinguish at a distance from the similar looking common crane which has grey tail.
  • Both sexes are similar

Habitat:

• The black-necked crane summers mainly in the high altitude Tibetan Plateau.
• The breeding areas are alpine meadows, lakeside and riverine marshes and river valleys.
• Wintering areas tend to be in sheltered valleys or lower altitudes.
• The largest populations are in China with smaller numbers extending into Vietnam, Bhutan and India.

Protective Measures:

• It is revered in Buddhist traditions and culturally protected across much of its range.
• A festival in Bhutan celebrates the bird while the Indian union territory of Ladakh has designated it as the state bird.

Legal Protection:

• Black-necked Crane listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, receiving the highest degree of protection.
• Listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.

Protected Areas:

• Important habitats, including Changthang Sanctuary in Ladakh, designated as Protected Areas.
• Tso Kar Wetlands Complex, a vital foraging and breeding ground, declared a Ramsar Site in December 2020.

National Wildlife Action Plan:

• The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) prioritizes the conservation of threatened species, addressing human-wildlife conflict, and preserving ecosystems.

Ref: Source