The endangered majestic black-necked cranes are highly honoured in Bhutan

Email

The Bhutanese believe that the cranes were sent from the heavens as avatars of their ancestors.

The endangered majestic black-necked cranes are highly honoured in Bhutan

About the black-necked cranes

The black-necked cranes are a sight to behold. Awe. Memorable. Delightful. These are just three of the many adjectives that tourists to Bhutan have used to describe the magnificent cranes.

Adult black-necked cranes are four-feet-tall with a red crown and long, thin legs. Their head, neck, wings and tail are black, save for a small light grey spot that stretches backwards from their yellow eyes, as well as ashy grey body feathers. Meanwhile, young cranes have a black and gray body with a cinnamon-brown head.

Black-necked cranes can be found in parts of central China and northern India, as well as the Himalayan mountains, including Bhutan. They descend from the higher Tibetan plateau to spend winter in Bhutan.

Between October and February every year, the birds settle in Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey, surrounded by the Himalayan peaks. They stay there in the alpine wetlands until spring. 

It is said that when the black-necked cranes arrive in Gangtey, they circle above Gangtey Monastery three times before landing on the marsh. They will also repeat the ritual before they depart from Bhutan to Tibet. 

The farmers in Phobjikha Valley believe that the birds' presence brings blessings to their crops. For the Buddhists of Bhutan, the black-neck cranes were sent from the heavens as avatars of their ancestors and loved ones. The birds signify longevity, peace, and prosperity.

In fact, the birds are so important to the Bhutanese culture that they are painted on houses and shops throughout the country.

Likewise, tourists travel from all over the world to see them.

 

Although Phobjikha Valley is where the black-neck cranes usually spend the winter, the people of Gelephu in southern Bhutan had a pleasant surprise on 14th November 2011. Two pairs of black-necked cranes (two adults and two juveniles) were seen in the Sarpang District, enjoying the hot sun.

There were heavy overcast clouds at that time, possibly leading to the birds’ misdirection. The clouds must have impaired their visibility as they were in flight. Or perhaps, the birds were trying out new spots?

Black-necked cranes are omnivorous as they eat both insects and plants. Their diet consists mainly of plant roots, insects, snails, shrimps, fishes, frogs, lizards, voles, and waste grain. 

Due to their remote habitat, the black-necked cranes were only discovered in 1876. 

Present-day, the black-neck cranes are under threat, thanks to habitat loss from climate change and pollution. There are approximately 5,000 of them in the wild. 

The black-necked cranes are one of the 26 endangered birds of Bhutan.

Bhutan’s effort to protect the black-neck cranes

In 2015, the black-neck cranes arrived to the Phobjikha Valley late. Naturally, the Bhutanese were worried. 

Aware that the cranes are under threat, Bhutan is taking steps to protect them. The efforts are consistent with the country’s Gross National Happiness policy, where one of the 9 domains is ecological diversity and resilience. Furthermore, Bhutan is adamant about protecting its wildlife, as can be seen from the government policy that mandates 60% of the country’s land to be under pristine forest cover at all times.

But the effort to protect the black-necked cranes started way before 2015. In 2008, the government decided to erect power lines that could interfere with the crane’s flight path. The power lines were meant to bring electricity to the villages.

Concerned about the cranes, the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), a non-profit organisation in Bhutan, spoke up. They volunteered to pay for solar lighting and persuaded the national energy corporation to invest in an underground power grid instead.

On top of that, they paired up with the Wisconsin-based International Crane Foundation (ICF) to expand wastelands and pay farmers so that they would opt against the expansion of croplands. They even constructed Bhutan’s first solid waste dump. All of this was to ensure that the black-necked cranes’ winter habitat was preserved.

The Black-necked Crane Festival

To create awareness on the importance of conserving the endangered black-necked cranes, the RSPN established the Black-necked Crane Festival in 1998. The black-necked crane festival is held on the 11th of November every year at Gangtey Gompa Courtyard in Phobjikha Valley with the help of the monks from the monastery.

The festival coincides with the birthday of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

The Black-necked Crane Festival

The event celebrates the arrival of black-necked cranes during the winter. During the festival, there are cham dances and folk songs, all of which have a black-necked crane theme. There are also crane dances. 

Last but not least, school children perform conservation-themed skits and songs.

Wanna see the black-neck cranes for yourself?

If you wish to witness the majesty of the black-neck cranes yourself, book your tour to Bhutan between October to February and request for your tour guide to take you to Phobjikha Valley. If you are lucky, you’ll get to watch the majestic cranes soar through the valley, or right above your head.

It’ll be worth it.

Looking for a Bhutan Travel Guide?

Check out www.bhutantravelog.com for more information. Order your Bhutan Travelog on Amazon.

Order your Bhutan Travelog on Amazon



Related Posts

Wangdue Phodrang - The gateway to the far-flung corners of Bhutan

Known as Sha or east to the Bhutanese, Wangduephodrang district is an important gateway to the far-flung corners of...

May 27, 2020 08:47

What are the endangered birds of Bhutan?

Bhutan is home to 26 endangered birds. One of these birds even has its own festival.

Jul 19, 2021 10:35

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia...

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as...

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

All You Need to Know About Gelephu Mindfulness City

The kingdom of Bhutan is planning to develop a "mindfulness city" covering about 2.5% of its land, which is larger than...

Feb 08, 2024 10:42

Bhutanese artist wins one of Asia's top art contests

The International Artist Grand Prize Competition is held in Taipei, Taiwan.

Oct 04, 2023 18:19

Latest

News

Drukair Expands International Network with New Dubai-Paro Route

Drukair officially launched its new twice-weekly flights to Dubai on the 28th October 2024, marking a significant step in expanding the...

Nov 04, 2024 14:46

The Consecration of Jangchub Chorten At Bhutan’s Highest Point

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck graced the auspicious consecration ceremony of Jangchub Chorten...

Oct 22, 2024 11:15

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Jun 05, 2024 10:09

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app