Imperiled Prancing Crane: Population Status and Breeding Performance of Black-Necked Crane Grus nigricollis in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh Region

Autor: Jigmet Takpa, Syed Ainul Hussain, Bilal Habib, Neeraj Mahar, Tahir Shawl
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Proceedings of the Zoological Society. 75:181-189
ISSN: 0974-6919
0373-5893
Popis: The trans-Himalayan wetlands of India and China are home to many breeding birds of conservation significance. The ecological structure and functions of these habitats are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures. Black-necked crane (BNC) is one of the flagship species of trans-Himalayan wetlands facing anthropic disturbances. We examined the population status, breeding ecology and factors affecting BNC in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh during 2016–2017. Seasonal population monitoring of BNC was conducted using total count method in 25 wetlands. The mean population size of BNC was 66.33 ± 5.04 SE and 69 ± 4.51 SE in 2016 and 2017 respectively with no significant difference (95% CI). For nesting, breeding pairs of BNC preferred palustrine wetlands, and avoided riverine habitats. Overall, nest survival, hatching success, breeding success and recruitment rate of BNC was attributed to predation by dogs, nesting failure due to thawing and unknown reasons. Water property, water depth, presence of ungulates and free-ranging dogs were found as important characteristics around nest-sites. Control of dog population at the breeding sites, and nearby human habitations using capture-neuter relocations and, awareness among locals and defense personnel can potentially contribute towards the conservation of this charismatic species. Habitats of BNC should also be conserved against increasing vulnerability from myriad anthropogenic pressures to ensure their long-term survival in the Indian trans-Himalaya.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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