In News:

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), in collaboration with the Indian Army and local authorities, has sterilisedover 2,950 free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022. The initiative aims to reduce predation by feral/free-ranging dogs on the Black-necked Crane and its chicks, while also helping protect other wildlife.

Black-necked Crane

• The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is a high-altitude crane associated with the wetlands of the Tibetan Plateau and Trans-Himalayan region.
• It is locally known as ThrungThrung Karmo in Bhutan and Cha Tung-Tung in Ladakh.
• It is the State Bird of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• It is particularly important as an indicator of the health of fragile high-altitude wetland ecosystems. Conservation of its breeding habitat also supports freshwater ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods.

Habitat and Distribution

• The species breeds in high-altitude alpine bog meadows, lacustrine marshes and riverine wetlands, generally at elevations of about 2,600–4,900 m.
• During winter, it moves to relatively lower-altitude river valleys and agricultural fields, including areas in Bhutan, southwestern China and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Important wintering areas in India include the Sangti and Zimithang valleys of Arunachal Pradesh. Its broader range extends across India, China, Bhutan and Nepal.

Key Characteristics

• The Black-necked Crane has an ashen-grey body, black neck and tail, long black legs and a bare red crown, with a small white patch behind each eye.
• It is notable for being the only crane species that breeds exclusively in high-altitude Trans-Himalayan and Tibetan wetlands.
• The species is generally monogamous, with pairs defending breeding territories through coordinated calls and courtship displays. It constructs mound nests surrounded by shallow water or mudflats, which provide some protection from terrestrial predators.
• Its diet is omnivorous, consisting of plant roots, tubers, aquatic vegetation and post-harvest grains such as barley, buckwheat and wheat, along with insects, earthworms, small fish, frogs and lizards.

Conservation Concern

Free-ranging and feral dogs can prey upon adult cranes, chicks and eggs, particularly in breeding areas. Dog population management through sterilisation, rather than indiscriminate elimination, is therefore being used as a conservation intervention.

The issue is significant because high-altitude wetlands are particularly vulnerable to habitat disturbance, infrastructure development, livestock pressure and changes in predator populations.

The species also has considerable cultural significance. It is revered in parts of Ladakh and Bhutan and is associated with peace, longevity and good fortune.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)