CONSERVING OUR ENDANGERED AVIAN SPECIES AND WETLANDS

Satellite Telemeters were deployed to study the threatened avian species like Black-necked cranes and Bar-headed geese

NATURE

TAHIR SHAWL

The Jammu and Kashmir state has the distinction of being the only state in India where migratory Black-necked crane, the endangered bird species and our state bird; and Bar-headed geese, the highest flying bird ever recorded flying over Mount Everest, breed during summer. They along with some other migratory avian species breed in Ladakh region of the state. This again is the only Indian state which hosts wintering as well as breeding population of Bar-headed geese. During winter large flock of Bar-headed geese throng plains of Jammu particularly Gharana, Kukrian and Pargwal wetlands along India-Pakistan border.

Saving Endangered Black-necked Crane 

The cranes are large birds, with long necks and legs, belonging to Order Gruiformes. Some of the crane species are the largest flying birds. There are fifteen cranes in four genera. Their distribution is worldwide except North America and Antarctica. The richest diversity of cranes is found in continent Asia where eight species are found. Almost all the crane species are threatened.