Black-necked Cranes arrive in Phobjikha

Black-necked Crane (file photo)

29 october 2009 – The first group of black-necked crane, comprising two adults and a juvenile arrived in Phobjikha today at around 3:10 PM. It was on the same date (October 29, 2008) that RSPN recorded the first arrival of cranes in 2008.

Of the 457 cranes, 322 cranes were recorded in Phobjikha valley in the winter of 2008-2009. The other winter habitats in Bhutan include Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse, Khotokha in Wangdue phodrang and Choekhor and Thangbi in Bumthang.

The cranes usually spend over four months in major winter habitats in Bhutan and leave for their summer habitats in Tibet in mid-March.

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature and Phobjikha Environment Management Committee observe November 12^th as Annual Black-necked Crane Festival to celebrate arrival of the cranes and at the same time create mass awareness on importance of crane conservation.

Phobjikha under Wangdi Phodrang dzongkhag is the largest wintering habitat of black-necked cranes in Bhutan.

Royal Society For Protection of Nature

Black-necked Cranes arrive in Phobjikha