𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒃𝒋𝒊𝒌𝒉𝒂 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌-𝑵𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑴𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

…“𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌-𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚.”

By Kezang Choden

The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), in collaboration with local hoteliers, conducted roost maintenance in Phobjikha Valley early this week. This annual initiative is aimed at preparing the area for the arrival of approximately 300 Black-necked cranes (BNC), which migrate to the valley towards the end of this month.

Phobjikha Valley, located in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, is a critical wintering ground for BNC. These endangered birds called Thrungthru Karmo in local language is known for their majestic beauty and ecological importance.

The cranes typically stay in the Phobjikha valley from late October until mid-February. The valley’s extensive wetlands provide an ideal habitat for the species, offering both food and shelter during the colder months.

RSPN, along with the local community, has been involved in roost maintenance every year, ensuring that the cranes have a safe and undisturbed environment. The collaboration with hoteliers, who are key stakeholders in the region’s eco-tourism sector, helps reinforce the valley’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable destination for both wildlife and visitors.

The arrival of the Black-necked cranes is a significant event in Phobjikha, celebrated annually with the Black-necked Crane Festival, held at the historic Gangtey Monastery. The festival is not only a cultural celebration but also raises awareness about the conservation of these birds and the importance of protecting their habitat.

The cranes’ presence draws nature enthusiasts and bird watchers from around the world, contributing to the local economy while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among the residents.

.Jigme Tshering, Chief of the Species Conservation Division, highlighted the importance of this period, stating, “October is a special month as we are blessed with the return of Black-necked cranes to our valley. These graceful birds are a symbol of harmony and nature’s beauty.”

October marks a significant time for the people of Phobjikha Valley as it welcomes the return of the revered Black-necked cranes. These graceful birds, which migrate annually from Tibet, are not only a symbol of nature’s beauty but also represent harmony between the environment and its inhabitants.

Each year, the RSPN works closely with local communities, the Department of Forest and Park Services, and hoteliers to ensure the cranes have safe environments. One key aspect of their conservation efforts includes roost maintenance to provide the cranes with secure resting areas. Through this collaborative effort, roosting sites are carefully maintained to protect the birds from disturbances during their stay.

In addition, the RSPN has identified critical habitats across the country for the cranes, ensuring that their foraging, roosting, and resting needs are met. These habitats play a vital role in the survival of the Black-necked cranes, particularly during their migration when they are vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. Their arrival is celebrated as a cultural and spiritual event, drawing attention to the need for sustained conservation efforts. Phobjikha Valley, in particular, has become a focal point for both national and international visitors who are drawn to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Santa, a representative from the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) in Phobjikha Gewog, shared that the annual maintenance work is conducted in preparation for the arrival of the Black-necked cranes, a species of critical importance to Bhutan. He highlighted the significance of the cranes, emphasizing the country’s commitment to their conservation. According to him, efforts to expand the cranes’ habitat areas have been a priority, with regular preservation and cleanliness measures undertaken to ensure the birds have a suitable environment. “We have noticed an increase in the number of Black-necked cranes each year,” he said.

Santa added, “This makes it all the more important to maintain and protect these areas to support their continued return.” He emphasized that Phobjikha is renowned for its role as a winter sanctuary for the endangered Black-necked cranes, and the RSPN’s work contributes significantly to preserving the delicate ecosystem. By keeping the wetlands and surrounding areas clean and undisturbed, the organization plays a vital role in ensuring the cranes can thrive, aligning with Bhutan’s broader goals of environmental preservation and biodiversity protection.

Sonam Tobgay, the activity coordinator of Gangtey Lodge, highlighted the lodge’s annual collaboration with the RSPN to carry out roost maintenance for Black-necked cranes. This ongoing partnership is guided by RSPN’s research, which has shown a gradual increase in the population of these endangered birds in the region. As a result, expanding the roosting areas has become a priority. He emphasized the significance of this effort, not only in terms of conservation but also for the potential to boost tourism, which plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses, including hotels and lodges. “Our main aim is to attract tourists and contribute to economic growth,” Sonam said.

The annual maintenance activities focus on improving the cleanliness and beautification of the roosting sites, ensuring they remain suitable for the cranes while also enhancing the area’s appeal to visitors. The influx of tourists drawn to the region for its natural beauty and the rare opportunity to observe Black-necked cranes is seen as a valuable opportunity to promote sustainable tourism and support the local economy.