Officials of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) are still trying to figure out the mysterious predator that killed and devoured nine black-necked cranes from their winter roosting ground in Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang.

On the list of suspects are the leopard, the wild dog and the red fox.

The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is classified as one of the most endangered bird species in the world, coming under Schedule A of protected species in Bhutan.

According to an official from the crane information centre in Phobjikha, Jigmi, nine cranes were devoured by an unidentified predator between November 15 and December 4. “We counted nine from the wings left behind,” he said. The first group of black-necked cranes comprising a family of four arrived at Phobjikha on November 4.

“We couldn’t confirm whether it was a leopard, a phaw (wild dog) or a red fox that killed the cranes,” said Jigmi, adding that he had seen leopards in Phobjikha. Phobjikha locals, from their experience of losing fowls to leopards, said that it was likely to be the leopard.

Last year, five birds were killed by one of their common predators, the yellow-fronted marten. But officials ruled out the marten this time. “The marten sucks the blood of the crane but leaves behind the carcass,” said Jigmi. “All that was left of the nine birds this time were the wings.”

Meanwhile, officials have collected faeces of possible predators and sent them to forestry and renewal natural resource officials for identification predator. “We found crane bones in the feces and should soon know what killed the birds,” said Jigmi.

As of December 31, 2007, there were 254 back-necked cranes in Phobjikha, according to RSPN’s count. The birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau to their winter habitat in Phobjikha in late October and fly back when spring arrives.
Source: Kuenselonline