Conservation Challenges Facing Khotokha’s Black-Necked Cranes

Khotokha, Wangdue, once a thriving winter haven for black-necked cranes, is now witnessing a concerning decline in crane arrivals. Spanning 126.58 hectares and designated as a Ramsar site, the valley’s wetlands have long offered an ideal environment for these endangered birds. However, where 10 to 15 cranes once visited each winter, the numbers have drastically fallen, with only three recorded in both the past year and this one.

Jigme Tshering, head of the Species Conservation Division at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), explained that the wetland’s Ramsar designation was based on the crane population. Yet, the number of cranes has rarely exceeded seven each winter, and the growing threats of encroachment and habitat degradation pose serious risks to their survival.

RSPN has been monitoring crane populations in Bhutan since 1986, starting with just five cranes in Khotokha. This long-term research has revealed crucial information about the birds’ habitat preferences and the threats they face. One major threat is the increasing presence of free-ranging dogs, which have disturbed the cranes and even attacked them, as evidenced by the fatal dog attacks last winter.

In response, RSPN has been working on habitat restoration, management, and awareness programs. Community involvement in these efforts is seen as vital for the protection of the cranes. Locals, like Nekor Dorji, also cite stray dogs as a danger to both the cranes and children living near the site, calling for action to control the dog population.

Despite a national increase in black-necked crane numbers, Khotokha continues to face localized challenges. With continued conservation efforts, Bhutan hopes to preserve these iconic birds, listed as ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and secure their wintering habitats for future generations.