Syllabus: Prelims, GS 1
Why in the News?
- A Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) has been spotted in the Sangti Valley, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Local Name: ‘Dalai Lama’s Crane’ / Thrung Trung Karmo.
- Cultural Importance:
- Symbol of peace, prosperity, and good fortune in Buddhist communities of Tibet, Bhutan, Tawang, and West Kameng.
- The bird is revered by the Monpa Community (major Buddhist ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh) as an embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama (Tsangyang Gyatso).
About Black Necked Crane:
- Scientific name: Grus nigricollis.
- Classed as a medium-sized member of the crane family.
- Only Alpine species of Crane in the world
- First reported from Ladakh in 1919
- Lifespan: 20 – 30 years
- Habitat: during summer – high altitude wetland, riverine marshes and in winter- fallow cultivation areas and marshes
- Distribution: India, China and Bhutan
- Conservation status:
- IUCN status: Near Threatened
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule 1
- CITES: Appendix I
- Breeding grounds: Tibetan Plateau.
- Wintering grounds in India: Arunachal Pradesh (Sangti Valley, Zemithang Valley).
- Cultural name: ‘Dalai Lama’s Crane’.
Forest Department Actions for its safety:
- Officers of Dirang Range and Bomdila Division are actively monitoring the bird’s arrival.
- Field teams keeping close watch to ensure safety.
- Last winter, a crane was injured by feral dog attacks.
- To prevent recurrence, the DFO issued orders under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to protect the species in Sangti–Chug valley.
- Hunting, poaching, or any activity harming migratory birds within the Dirang forest range – particularly Sangti and Chug valley regions- is strictly prohibited.
- Gaon Burahs and PRI members have an active role in spreading awareness on the importance of protecting migratory birds and habitats.
Significance:
- Biodiversity Importance:
- Black-necked Crane is an indicator species of high-altitude wetland health.
- Its presence reflects a stable ecological niche in the Eastern Himalayas.
- Cultural & Religious Dimension:
- Revered in Tibetan and Bhutanese Buddhism.
- Associated with the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation narratives and local folklore.
- Arrival boosts eco-cultural tourism activities in West Kameng.
- Symbol of peace, prosperity, and good fortune in Buddhist communities of Tibet, Bhutan, Tawang, and West Kameng.
- The bird is revered by the Monpa Community as an embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama (Tsangyang Gyatso).
- Importance for Arunachal Pradesh:
- Enhances the state’s recognition as a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
- Supports community-based conservation models involving local Buddhist villages.
- Adds value to the state’s eco-tourism initiatives.
Conservation Challenges/threats:
- Poaching and Feral dog attacks.
- Habitat disturbance due to agriculture expansion and tourism.
- Limited nesting sites in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Power lines, transportation and service corridor
- Overgrazing of livestock
- Unregulated development and tourism
Prelims MCQ:
Q. With reference to the Black-necked Crane, consider the following statements:
- It is the only alpine species of crane in the world.
- Its wintering grounds in India include Sangti Valley and Zemithang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
- It is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- It is culturally revered by the Monpa community as an embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Only alpine species of crane in the world.
- Statement 2 – Correct: Wintering grounds in Sangti Valley & Zemithang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, not Schedule II.
- Statement 4 – Correct: Culturally revered by the Monpa community as embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama.
Source: Arunachal Times
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