Black-necked Cranes Grus nigricollis in Bhutan: Migration routes, threats and conservation prospects

Abstract

Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis is a globally threatened species, of which a few hundred individuals winter in Bhutan. The species has been monitored on its wintering grounds in Bhutan since 1987, but little is known about migration routes or about threats during migration and wintering. In this study, we conducted interviews with local people at wintering sites and potential stopover sites to identify movement patterns and to prioritise threats to the conservation of this species. We found that several of the causes of cranes disappearing from former wintering areas are still prevalent in the current wintering areas; these are apart from the addition of many new threats. One of the main threats is loss and degradation of wetland habitat from development and agriculture. We consider habitat protection to be of highest priority in conserving the species. Our study also identifies four migration routes (Gasa, Lhuntshi, Trashi Yangtshe and Paro) and six stopover areas (Gasa, Tshokhana, Dungkhar, Baptong, Tangmachu and Shengana) used by the cranes during their migration in and out of Bhutan in winter.