Conservation in Bhutan, Endangered Birds

Crane Birds, Winter Grounds and Dance Festival in Phobjikha

Nov 8, 2009

Black-necked cranes are endangered birds but in Bhutan, efforts are ongoing to ensure their return to safe wintering grounds and long term survival.

In the small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, strong Buddhist beliefs entail respect for all living things. Economic pressures are growing but the Fifth Dragon King and the new democratic government remain committed to conservation ahead of growth. Sixty per cent of the land is protected forest, a haven for wildlife, and wetlands are carefully managed for the benefit of endangered crane birds.

In early autumn, the Bumdeling and Phobjikha valleys await the return of the black necked cranes, ‘heavenly birds’ who leave the high Tibetan plateau for sheltered grounds in Bhutan. They number just a few thousands worldwide, majestic birds standing over a metre tall and weighing five kg or more. Both sexes look identical, black neck and head with a splash of red, white body and wings fringed with black.

At 1900 metres in Eastern Bhutan, the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary continues to welcome the endangered birds though numbers are dwindling. Land development and new farming practices are said to be the culprits but measures are afoot to put things right.

Trails in roosting areas are fenced off when the birds are there and winter cropping, which ploughs leftover grain into the ground, is discouraged. Local cooperation is essential to ensure success and over 300 farmers will be compensated, as the International Crane Foundation and Bumdeling Sanctuary raise funds to save the endangered species.

At 2900 metres in the Wangdue district, the marshlands of Phobjikha provide the main wintering grounds in Bhutan. The birds arrive from early November onwards, circling over the temple before landing. They are considered auspicious and the locals call them Thrung Thrung, referring to the sound of their powerful wings. They feed on waste grain, bamboo shoots, shrimp, fish, insects and more.

Power lines are banned in the valley, cottage industries keep farming under control and bird watching is restricted to hides on specified trails. A black-necked crane information centre has been set up to highlight their plight.

The first black-necked crane festival was organised in 1998 by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature. Held every November, it aims to raise awareness among the farmers and encourage low impact tourism and eco-tours. It’s a great way to boost local income and provide funds for the conservation programme.

In this unique Dance Festival, masked children, women and monks imitate the courtship dance of the sacred crane birds, jumping, flapping, bowing or tossing grass. It’s a joyful event attended by many locals and a few tourists and includes music and song alongside traditional displays of archery, the national sport.

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