Black-necked crane

Black-necked crane

News: The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have been actively involved in assessing the population and conserving the black-necked cranes in India.

About:
• The black-necked crane, also known as the Tibetan crane, is a captivating bird with a unique appearance and fascinating life cycle.
• Standing tall at 135 cm with a 235 cm wingspan, this crane boasts a striking contrast of colours. Its body is a pale greyish-white, while the head, neck, upper legs, and tail are jet black. A vibrant red patch adorns its crown, adding a touch of brilliance.
• Both sexes are similar in appearance, with the male being slightly larger.

Habitat:
• The crane breeds in the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, and remote parts of India and Bhutan.
• It prefers alpine meadows, lakeside and riverine marshes, and river valleys.

Behaviour:
• Black-necked cranes live in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season. They are highly social birds, engaging in complex courtship dances involving synchronized leaps, wing-flapping, and calls.
• Their diet consists of various plants, insects, small vertebrates, and aquatic invertebrates, depending on the season and available food sources.
• These vocal birds use a variety of calls, including trumpeting, trumpeting honks, and rattling sounds, to communicate with each other.

Protection status in India:
• The Black-necked Crane is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which grants them the highest degree of legal protection in India.
• It is also listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
• The species is also listed in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora and the Convention on conservation of Migratory Species.
• Important habitats of the black-necked crane, such as the Changthang Sanctuary in Ladakh, have been notified as Protected Areas. This designation helps in safeguarding their habitats from human disturbances and development activities.
• The Tso Kar Wetlands Complex, which serves as a significant foraging and breeding ground for blacknecked cranes, was designated as a Ramsar Site in December 2020.