CHINA: The black-crane birds, a rare species endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, are making a comeback in China's northwest Yunnan province

A symbol of peace for Tibetan Buddhists, the black-necked cranes have been breeding in the wetlands of the seasonal Naphai lake, high in the mountains of Shangri La. Once abundant in parts of China, Bhutan and India, black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) numbers have dwindled in recent decades, making them highly endangered. It is estimated that there are only 5,000-6,000 cranes left in the wild. The wetlands of Bhutan and southern Tibet are the wintering sites for these birds, while northern Yunnan and the eastern part of Ladakh in India serve as their breeding grounds. The Napahai wetlands, where black-necked cranes feed and breed, are under tremendous pressure as their fragile wetland habitat is facing increasing pollution and shrinking freshwater sources. Black-neck cranes are also being threatened by the uncontrollable poaching for their beautiful feathers and long gracious necks. As the human population grows, farmers in and near the Napha lake are expanding farmland area, and some are even beginning to reclaim swamps, which pose a threat to the cranes' life. Local representative for the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), Wendegomba, says fragmentation of the wetlands, combined with a booming tourist industry adds to the pressure on bird's natural habitat. "It (Napha lake) is one of the most important habitats for the black-neck cranes but there is so many problems happening with this wetlands. For example, fragmentation and the pollution of water, and mass tourism", he said. Considered sacred for many Tibetans, black-necked cranes are revered by the local population who are trying to protect them from poaching and extinction. "Black-neck cranes for Tibetans, culturally, they believed they are holy birds. And, they also believe that sound of the black-neck cranes symbolise peace. So, the local people would never kill black-neck cranes. So, I can say that local people and local culture are protectors of the black-neck cranes in this environment", Wendegomba said. Tibetan legend has it that previous incarnations of the Dalai Lama were carried from monastery to monastery on the backs of these holy birds. Bounded by Sichuan Province to the north and Tibet to the west, the Shangri-la region is rich in biodiversity. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows and mountain forests, the area is also home to endangered species such as the snub-nosed monkey and snow leopard. With elevations between 1500 and 5400m, the region is characterized by deep valleys and tall mountains, which have created extremely diverse climate, soil, and vegetation patterns, and unique and fragile ecosystems, such as high-altitude marshes, lakes and wetlands where the cranes like to congregate. Over the last several decades, China's rapidly growing economy and population have been the root causes of wetland and vegetation degradation throughout the country. Planned hydropower dams, roads, and tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, are also potential threats to the fragile ecosystem. Tourist figures for the area have increased from 40,000 in 1995 to just under two million by 2004.

ITN Source | March 16, 2007

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