The
black-necked crane, the state bird of Jammu and Kashmir, is under threat from
feral dogs that damage the bird eggs and chicks.
Basic
knowledge about the importance and activities of Black-necked crane among people in the cold
desert of Ladakh is so widespread that Chartses, local name for mating
dance of this long-legged bird, is an important feature of every cultural
programme or local festival. Ladakhis, particularly those living in Changthang
region, consider black-necked crane not only culturally important, but a
spiritual creature as well.
They
believe that sighting the giant bird is a sign of good luck. Many monasteries
in Ladakh have even paintings of black-necked crane along with other spiritual
paintings.
“Black-necked
crane is highly revered by the people of Ladakh. It is embedded in our culture
and its dance (Chartses) is performed by Ladakhis in every cultural event and
festival,” said Jigmat Takpa, former forest conservator of Ladakh.
“Its
drawings are found in our monasteries as the bird is considered very auspicious
and the symbol of Ladakh’s unique ecology. Ladakhis feel proud about the fact
that its only breeding ground in India, is in Ladakh,” Takpa added.
Black-necked
crane lives on high altitudes in Tibetan plateau, India and Bhutan, the only
species of the crane family choosing such habitats. These birds build their
nests in open environments which makes them vulnerable to predators. Both male
and female are almost of similar size though the male is slightly bigger than
the female. They have whitish bodies, long slender black legs and long black
necks with a red crown adorning their heads.
According
to IUCN, black-necked crane is classified
as Vulnerable because it has a single small population
that is in decline owing to the loss and degradation of wetlands, and changing
agricultural practices in both its breeding and wintering grounds.
In Ladakh
Himalayas, says WWF-India, the major threat to the successful breeding
of black-necked crane is the damage caused to the eggs and chicks of the bird
by feral dogs. According to WWF-India, “these dogs are owned both by armed
forces as well as by the local nomads. Another threat to the bird is the loss
of habitat.”
The
canine hazard
The
beautiful creature, also the state bird of mountainous state of Jammu &
Kashmir, is under severe threat from human-kind’s trusted friends – dogs. “If
there is any single biggest threat to the survival of black-necked crane these
days, it is from the feral dogs,” said Takpa. “The dogs are even attacking the
humans. How can these poor creatures escape from their wrath?”
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