Status and distribution of Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in India

In order to understand and monitor the status and distribution of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in India, we carried out systematic long term yearly surveys between 2000 and 2014 at all previously known locations as well as attempted to explore new areas. In this paper, we have summarized the distribution and status of the species in its historic range based on the literature and data collected during surveys in Jammu & Kashmir and at few locations in Northeast India. This paper presents a detailed account of the current status and distribution of the Black-necked Crane in India. The present study is first of its kind which monitored the Black-necked Crane population in India for a period of 15 years. During the entire study period, a maximum of 139 birds were recorded in breeding areas in Ladakh in 2012, and 11 wintering birds were recorded in norteast India in 2006.