The recent controversy over hydropower projects in Tawang district has sent ripples through the Buddhist community and environmentalists alike. The opposition from a group of Buddhist monks stems from fears that the projects could endanger the nesting grounds of the Black-Necked Crane, a species revered in local Buddhist traditions, and damage several holy Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Understanding the Black-Necked Crane: Anatomy and Significance
The Black-Necked Crane is recognized by its distinctive anatomy – both sexes are similar in size, with the male being slightly larger. It has a long neck, head, primary and secondary flight feathers, all of which are entirely black. The body plumage is pale gray or whitish, with a noticeable red crown on its head. Juveniles sport a brownish head and neck, with slightly lighter plumage than adults.
The crane holds special significance for the Monpas, a major Buddhist ethnic group inhabiting the districts of West Kameng and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. They regard the bird as the embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. The Monpas belong to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Habitat and Breeding Grounds of the Black-Necked Crane
The high-altitude wetlands of the Tibetan Plateau, Sichuan in China, and eastern Ladakh in India serve as the main breeding grounds for the Black-Necked Crane. These birds migrate to lower altitudes during winter, with some visiting Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Within Arunachal Pradesh, they can be spotted in three areas: Sangti valley in West Kameng district, Zemithang and Chug valley in Tawang district.
Threats to the Survival of the Black-Necked Crane
The Black-Necked Crane faces several threats to its survival. Feral dogs pose a risk to their eggs and chicks, while habitat loss due to human pressure on the wetlands, particularly from development projects, is another major concern. Increased grazing pressure on pastures near the wetlands also contributes to their threatened status.
Conservation Efforts for the Black-Necked Crane
There are active steps being taken to conserve the Black-Necked Crane. The World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) is collaborating with the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir, to conserve high-altitude wetlands, with a particular focus on the Black-Necked Crane in the Ladakh region. In Arunachal Pradesh, WWF is working to conserve the small wintering population.
Protection Status of the Black-Necked Crane
The Black-Necked Crane is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List and is classified under Appendix I in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It also falls under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, indicating the urgent need for conservation efforts.
