Locals of Chhumey Gewog in Bumthang feel, the flurry of constructions in their area, is causing the decline in the number of visiting Black-necked cranes. As opposed to 22 last year, only 16 birds arrived in the valley, this year.
Over the last two decades, number of the endangered migratory crane has been declining drastically. But, the slight increase in the number, last year, had given hope to the locals that it would be the case in coming years.
“After over 15 years, the cranes came in a large number to Chhumey, last year. We were very happy about it,” said Chungdey Tshering of Gyetshe Village.
The villagers say, construction activities in the valley, especially the present road widening works, is dissuading the cranes from coming to the valley.
“With constructions comes machinery. Loud noise from the machines and dust pollution, I think, disturb the birds,” said Yeshey Dorji of Domgkhar Village.
They also feel there should be conservation and protection programs for the birds. Last year, a stray dog had killed a crane.
The Forest Range Office of Chhumey has been continuously monitoring the cranes in the gewog. Steps are being taken for conservation.
“Our office has been conducting awareness programs on importance of protecting the birds. Even while on patrol, we talk to locals and tell them not to disturb the birds,” said Forest Ranger, Tsheten Wangchuk.
He also said many people in the valley are converting the marshy paddy field into dry land. “This affects the roosting ground of the birds.”
Black-necked cranes stay in Chhumey for around five months before they migrate back to Tibet in March.
