Four black-necked cranes, comprising three adults and one juvenile, were spotted in the Chug Valley of Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, marking a significant sighting as it is the first time four of these cranes have been observed together in the area. Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Darge expressed his enthusiasm for this event, noting that typically only pairs or up to three cranes have been recorded in previous observations.
Biologists suggest that migratory cranes often travel in groups, and it is posited that one of the adult cranes might be part of a pair previously separated in the last winter season. Dr. Darge recounted an incident from the previous winter where a female crane sustained severe injuries from an attack by feral dogs, leading to her rescue and subsequent treatment at a veterinary dispensary. After recovery, she was relocated to Morshing where conditions were deemed more favorable. The current arrival of these cranes presents a potential opportunity for the reunion of the separated pair.
Obang Tayeng, the Divisional Forest Officer of Bomdila Forest Division, remarked that the increasing presence of black-necked cranes serves as a positive ecological sign for the region. Concurrently, Dirang Range Forest Officer Lobsang Sunickjee mentioned that the forestry department is actively monitoring the cranes to ensure their safety, implementing measures to mitigate threats from feral dogs and human interference. There is also a focus on working with local community leaders and residents to safeguard these culturally important birds during their stay.
