News: BNHS + Indian Army + local authorities sterilised 2,950+ free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022 to reduce predation on Black-necked Cranes and chicks.

About

• Scientific/Local: Black-necked Crane; locally Thrung Thrung Karmo / Cha Tung-Tung.
• Special Feature: Only exclusively alpine crane species among the world’s 15 crane species.
• Status: IUCN – Near Threatened (NT).
• State Bird: Union Territory of Ladakh.

Habitat & Distribution

• Breeding: High-altitude wetlands, alpine bogs & marshes at 2,600–4,900 m.
• Wintering: Lower river valleys & agricultural fields.
• Range: India, China, Bhutan & Nepal.
• India: Mainly Ladakh, with wintering populations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Features

• Appearance: Ashen-grey body, black neck & tail, long black legs and red crown.
• Breeding: Monogamous; pairs mate for life.
• Nesting: Mound nests surrounded by shallow water/mudflats.
• Diet: Omnivorous – plants, grains, insects, fish, frogs & lizards.

Ecological Significance

• Wetland Indicator: Presence indicates healthy high-altitude wetlands.
• Cultural Significance: Revered in Ladakh & Bhutan as a symbol of peace, longevity and good fortune.
• Conservation: Protecting its habitat also supports freshwater ecosystems & pastoral livelihoods.