KINZANG DORJI TSHERING | Wangdue Phodrang
Phobji Gewog is home to the majestic Black-necked Cranes, locally known as Thrung Thrung Karmo, which arrive every winter and have become a symbol of peace, culture, and livelihood for the local community. For generations, the presence of these birds has shaped the identity of the valley, attracting tourists, inspiring stories, and providing economic opportunities for the residents.
Monks at Gangtey Shedra in Phobji, farmers, and the local Gup all observe that winters are becoming unpredictable and colder compared to past years. Jigme Thinley, a monk who has lived in Phobji for nearly ten years, said that while the changes are subtle, some years feel colder than others. He explained that during winter the roads remain manageable, but in summer, heavy rains and climate effects damage the roads, making travel difficult for both locals and tourists. The monks also host meditation classes at the Shedra, which attract visitors who contribute through donations. These activities are indirectly supported by the cranes, as tourists often visit the valley to witness the birds’ annual migration.
Yeshi Phuntsho, another monk at Gangtey Shedra, expressed concern over the changing climate. He said that winters have become colder and that snowfall has decreased over the years. Despite the colder temperatures, water availability in the valley has not been a major issue. The monks explained that they avoid disturbing the cranes, believing that human interference could drive them away. Many locals even see the cranes as divine manifestations, as their presence brings calm and a peaceful atmosphere to the valley.
Farmers in Phobji spoke about the direct impact of these changing winters on agriculture and livelihoods. Namgay Zam, said that frost now stays longer on farmland, illnesses among villagers have increased, and the extended cold disrupts the farming calendar. Potatoes, which are the main source of income for many families, have been particularly affected. She explained that tourists come to Phobji to enjoy its peaceful environment and stay in hotels or home stays, buying local produce such as potatoes. Namgay Zam fears that if winters continue to grow colder, fewer cranes may come, which would affect tourism and income in the valley.
Passang, another farmer, described the winter season as puzzling, with some days extremely cold and others normal. He noted the absence of snowfall during a period when snow used to be common. Colder temperatures also affect water availability, impacting both residents and the cranes. He observed that cranes behave differently around locals and foreign visitors, often remaining calm near residents but flying away when approached by outsiders. Passang added that when the cranes arrive, they circle Gangtey Goenpa three times and again when they leave, and they also visit other monasteries and religious sites in the gewog. This tradition adds spiritual meaning to their presence. He emphasized that better roads are needed to accommodate tourists, highlighting how the cranes support local livelihoods while the community protects them from disturbance.
Jamtsho, the Gup of Phobji Gewog, said that while winters have changed slightly, the differences are not extreme. He noticed that some cranes now stay longer in the valley until March, possibly due to physical conditions or changes in weather. He explained that the community monitors the cranes to protect them while avoiding interference. Jamtsho stressed that tourism is important for the local economy, as visitors bring income to families offering lodging and services. He also highlighted the need for better infrastructure and government support for organic farming, which benefits both people and the cranes.
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), established in 1987 under the royal command of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has been at the forefront of Black-necked Crane conservation in Bhutan. Globally, these cranes are listed as Near Threatened, with an estimated population of 17,389 to 17,610 individuals. Phobji is the largest and most important winter habitat for the cranes in Bhutan. They feed on roots, tubers, insects, frogs, fish, and leftover grains, and they rely on wetlands for safe roosting at night. They are culturally revered, monogamous, and long-lived, inspiring folk songs and stories. Their presence signals a healthy wetland and agricultural ecosystem.
Economically, the cranes contribute significantly to Phobji’s livelihood opportunities RSPN continues to monitor the cranes, maintain wetlands, involve communities in conservation activities such as stream cleanups, and collect data on climate, hydrology, vegetation, and land use to understand the impact of climate change and development pressures.
Residents of Phobji see the cranes as essential to both culture and livelihood. Monks, farmers, and leaders stress that the birds bring peace, attract visitors, and support livelihoods, while the community ensures their protection. Meditation classes at Gangtey Shedra receive donations from visitors, farmers earn income through home stays and potato sales, and the valley’s peaceful environment attracts tourists, all thanks to the cranes. However, changing winters, prolonged frost, unpredictable snowfall, and colder temperatures are threatening both agriculture and the cranes’ patterns. Roads remain inadequate, especially during rainy seasons, and government support is needed for sustainable farming practices and continued conservation.
The Black-necked Crane represents a delicate balance between environment, culture, and livelihood in Phobji. Locals believe that protecting the cranes also protects their way of life. With continued support from RSPN, the government, and community initiatives, it is possible to safeguard both the valley’s wildlife and the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. The observations and concerns of residents highlight the urgency of addressing climate change impacts while maintaining harmony between humans and nature. Protecting the cranes ensures the survival of a unique species and the preservation of Phobji’s identity, culture, and economy for generations to come.
“This story was covered as a part of the media reporting grant funded by Australian Government
through ABC International Development and JAB”.
