Black-necked Crane: conservation action in Ladakh to reduce predation risk
Environment · Saturday, 15 August 2026
BNHS, along with the Indian Army and local authorities, sterilised over 2,950 free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022 to reduce predation on the vulnerable Black-necked Crane and its chicks. The Black-necked Crane is the only exclusively alpine crane species and is the official State Bird of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Quick highlights
- BNHS + Indian Army + local authorities sterilised 2,950+ free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022 to curb predation pressure.
- Black-necked Crane is the only exclusively alpine species among the world’s 15 crane species.
- Official State Bird of UT Ladakh; local names include Thrung Thrung Karmo (Dzongkha) and Cha Tung-Tung (Ladakhi).
- Breeds at 2,600–4,900 m in high-altitude bog meadows, marshes and riverine wetlands.
- IUCN status: Near Threatened (NT); range includes India, China, Bhutan and Nepal.
- Winters in lower valleys/fields including Bhutan (Phobjikha, Bumdeling), southwestern China, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh (Sangti, Zimithang).
Context
BNHS, with the Indian Army and local authorities, sterilised over 2,950 free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022 to reduce predation on Black-necked Cranes and chicks.
Key Facts
Species profile (as per source): • Black-necked Crane: only exclusively alpine crane among 15 crane species. • State bird: Union Territory of Ladakh. • IUCN: Near Threatened (NT). • Range countries: India, China, Bhutan, Nepal. Habitat: • Breeding: 2,600–4,900 m; alpine bog meadows, lacustrine marshes, riverine wetlands. • Wintering: 1,900–3,800 m; river valleys and agricultural fields in Bhutan (Phobjikha, Bumdeling), southwestern China, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh (Sangti, Zimithang). Conservation action cited: • Dog sterilisation: 2,950+ dogs sterilised in Ladakh since 2022 to reduce predation.
Significance
The crane is an indicator of healthy high-altitude wetlands, and its habitat conservation supports freshwater ecosystems and pastoral livelihoods; it is also culturally revered in Ladakh and Bhutan.
Challenges / Way Forward
The source highlights predation pressure by free-ranging dogs as a threat. Way forward includes sustained dog population management, wetland habitat protection, and local community support for conservation at breeding sites.
Exam Angle
Prelims: species status (IUCN), state bird, alpine breeding habitat, range countries. GS3 (Environment): wetland conservation, human-wildlife interface, invasive/predator management in ecosystems.
Remember this
- BNHS + Indian Army + local authorities sterilised 2,950+ free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022.
- Black-necked Crane: only exclusively alpine crane among 15 crane species.
- Official State Bird of UT Ladakh.
- IUCN status: Near Threatened (NT).
- Range countries: India, China, Bhutan, Nepal.
- Breeding altitude: 2,600–4,900 m; wintering altitude: 1,900–3,800 m.
- Wintering sites named: Phobjikha and Bumdeling (Bhutan); Sangti and Zimithang (Arunachal Pradesh).
Background reading
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