Over 2,950 Free-Ranging Dogs Sterilised in Ladakh to Protect Vulnerable Black-necked Cranes
More than 2,950 free-ranging dogs have been sterilised across Ladakh under a conservation initiative designed to protect the vulnerable Black-necked Crane and support wildlife tourism-based livelihoods. The project brings together the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the Indian Army, the local Animal Husbandry Department, and the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
What Happened
Launched in 2022, the targeted intervention began after wildlife experts observed free-ranging dogs attacking and killing Black-necked Crane chicks across the high-altitude alpine wetlands of Ladakh. In addition to direct predation, the presence of roaming dogs prevented the cranes from settling and establishing nests in key wetland habitats.
Alongside the sterilisation drive, authorities have targeted food sources that sustain dog populations. A pilot waste-management project has been introduced at selected Indian Army outposts to improve food and kitchen waste disposal. The initiative has also conducted awareness and capacity-building programmes, training approximately 1,000 armed forces personnel in biodiversity conservation and wildlife management.
Key Highlights
- Sterilisation Drive: Over 2,950 free-ranging dogs have been sterilised since the initiative commenced in 2022.
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Executed by BNHS in coordination with the Indian Army, the Animal Husbandry Department, and the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
- Population Monitoring: During the June 2026 annual census, 19 pairs of Black-necked Cranes were officially recorded across Ladakh’s wetlands, with actual numbers expected to be slightly higher due to unsurveyed, hard-to-reach locations.
- Waste Management Measures: Better disposal of food waste at select army posts is being used to curb anthropogenic food subsidies that support stray dog packs.
- Personnel Training: About 1,000 armed forces members have received training in wildlife management and conservation.
Why This Matters
The Black-necked Crane is classified globally as “vulnerable” and serves as the state bird and a cultural symbol of Ladakh. Its global population is estimated at roughly 11,000 to 12,000 individuals, distributed across India, China, Nepal, and Bhutan, with the majority residing on the Tibetan Plateau.
India’s breeding population remains delicate. Between 110 and 130 individuals, including 20 to 25 breeding pairs, are recorded annually in Ladakh. Key breeding locations include the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, the marshes of Nyoma, and the wetlands of Hanle and Tso Kar, with additional numbers in the Suru Valley. The species faces pressures from habitat degradation, infrastructure expansion, increased human activity near wetlands, and climate change, making the mitigation of dog attacks vital for chick survival.
What to Watch Next
BNHS is continuing efforts to survey previously inaccessible wetland sites to compile a comprehensive assessment of the breeding population across Ladakh. Authorities also intend to maintain integrated waste management and animal birth control measures to provide sustained protection across sensitive wetland landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are free-ranging dogs a threat to Black-necked Cranes?
Free-ranging dogs in Ladakh have been observed hunting Black-necked Crane chicks and causing disturbances that prevent adult cranes from nesting in alpine wetlands.
How many Black-necked Cranes are found in Ladakh?
BNHS records indicate that 110 to 130 individuals, including 20 to 25 breeding pairs, are recorded annually depending on the season. In the June 2026 survey, 19 breeding pairs were documented across accessible monitoring sites.
What additional steps are being taken besides sterilisation?
Efforts include pilot waste-management systems at military outposts to reduce food waste access for dog packs, alongside biodiversity training for 1,000 armed forces personnel.
Source: Based on a report from The Hindu.