Black-necked Crane - WWF-India

Executive Summary
Ladakh dotted with some of the world’s most
unique and spectacular wetlands, also holds
the distinction of being the only known breeding
ground of Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis in
India. Few studies which formed the basis for this
initiative, have touched upon only some aspects
of the ecology of the cranes, the reasons for
which could range from hostile climatic conditions
to inaccessibility of the region.
WWF-India has been working towards
conservation of high altitude wetlands in the
Ladakh region and has identifi ed the Blacknecked
Crane as a priority species owing to its
critically endangered status. Under this initiative,
WWF in collaboration with the Department
of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir
conducted the study for fi ve consecutive seasons
starting from May 2000 to November 2004 on
the breeding population of Black-necked Crane
and covered virtually all the potential wetlands in
Ladakh. Regular surveys were conducted and the
observations were analysed to fi nd out breeding
success and productivity. The analysis was made
using an established methodology and the results
indicate that though the population seems to
be increasing, the overall breeding productivity
is declining. The increase in the population is
due to the discovery of new breeding sites and
populations and the decline in breeding success
is due to increased human activities, and resultant
secondary impacts, like direct killing by dogs as
well as pressure on habitat because of unplanned
developmental activities.
The study indicates that incubation period and the
fi rst few weeks after hatching are the most crucial
periods in the breeding cycle of the Black-necked
Crane in Ladakh. Thus, immediate measures
need to be taken to ensure that no disturbance is
caused to the birds during the breeding season,
especially the incubation period.