Black-necked Crane, Status, Breeding Productivity and Conservation in Ladakh, India 2000-2004.

Résumé

Ladakh dotted with some of the world’s most unique and spectacular wetlands, also holds the distinction of being the only known breeding ground of Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis in India. Few studies which formed the basis for this initiative, have touched upon only some aspects of the ecology of the cranes, the reasons for which could range from hostile climatic conditions to inaccessibility of the region. WWF-India has been working towards conservation of high altitude wetlands in the Ladakh region and has identifi ed the Black-necked Crane as a priority species owing to its critically endangered status. Under this initiative, WWF in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir conducted the study for fi ve consecutive seasons starting from May 2000 to November 2004 on the breeding population of Black-necked Crane and covered virtually all the potential wetlands in Ladakh. Regular surveys were conducted and the observations were analysed to fi nd out breeding success and productivity. The analysis was made using an established methodology and the results indicate that though the population seems to be increasing, the overall breeding productivity is declining. The increase in the population is due to the discovery of new breeding sites and populations and the decline in breeding success is due to increased human activities, and resultant secondary impacts, like direct killing by dogs as well as pressure on habitat because of unplanned developmental activities. The study indicates that incubation period and the first few weeks after hatching are the most crucial periods in the breeding cycle of the Black-necked Crane in Ladakh. Thus, immediate measures need to be taken to ensure that no disturbance is caused to the birds during the breeding season, especially the incubation period.