What began as an unusual sighting of black-necked cranes in Haa during summer has now become a symbol of adaptation and hope. Except for winter months, black-necked cranes are rarely seen in Bhutan during summer. However, officials at the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve in Haa confirmed that the migratory birds have been breeding at their summer roosting and nesting site at Langjab in Haa since 2020.
This year, two adult cranes and two eggs have been spotted at Langjab.
According to Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve officials, each year, two adult cranes have been consistently observed at the site, with the number of juveniles varying between one and two.
The cranes typically arrive at Lolithang and spend several weeks before moving to Hala-Jula in Haa.
They eventually settle at Langjab, their primary summer habitat, where critical breeding activities such as egg-laying, hatching, and chick-rearing take place.
According to Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, this consistent pattern of adult presence and successful juvenile rearing highlights the ecological significance of Langjab as a vital summer breeding habitat for the conservation of the vulnerable black-necked cranes in Bhutan.
Wangchuk, a ranger at Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve said “Langjab is at 4000 metres above the sea level and it is pristine, remote and untouched right now. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve and there are no human activities and developmental works. This makes the habitat perfect for the cranes.”
However, officials are concerned about the threat posed by stray dogs and herders moving through the area.
“The habitat has enough nutritious food. The cranes rear the chicks until they grow. And then they fly to their winter habitat. However, the location is far from our base, and it takes almost a day, so we are not able to monitor constantly. Moreover, people and their dogs move through the area, posing a risk to the habitat.”
Normally, the endangered black-necked cranes spend their summer at the Tibetan plateaus where they breed and lay eggs.
Then, they migrate to Bhutan’s lowland valleys such as Phobjikha and Bumdeling for the winter months till early April.
The RSPN recorded over 700 black-necked cranes in Bhutan during the annual count this year.
As for their summer habitat, black-necked cranes continue to return to Langjab each summer. Their presence is no longer seen as accidental but as a sign of nature’s quiet resilience. The consistent breeding success in Haa is seen as the area’s growing importance in Bhutan’s conservation landscape.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
Edited by Tshering Zam
