Black-necked Cranes arrive in Phobjikha

A total of 326 cranes were recorded in Phobjikha valley in the winter of 2008-2009. The total number of cranes that arrived in Bhutan was 462 in 2009, while it was 457 cranes in 2008. The other winter habitats in Bhutan include Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse, Khotokha in Wangduephodrang 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 will be observing November 11^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. Till 2009, it was celebrated on 12th November.

In 2008, the first group of black-necked cranes arrived on 29 October 2009. Phobjikha under Wangdi Phodrang dzongkhag is the largest wintering habitat of black-necked cranes in Bhutan.