Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis, a rare and Near Threatened species, holds immense ecological and cultural importance across the Himalayan region. The species breeds in Western Tibet, and India and migrates to its wintering ground in Eastern Tibet and Bhutan through the Central Asian Flyway. In Nepal, it is considered vagrant and data deficient with scattered sightings over the years. The species have been regularly observed during the breeding season in the wetlands of Limi Valley Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), in Humla District hinting towards possible breeding population. This highlights urgent need for scientific assessment and conservation action before the species is lost from Nepal.

Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis, a rare and Near Threatened species, holds immense ecological and cultural importance across the Himalayan region. The species breeds in Western Tibet, and India and migrates to its wintering ground in Eastern Tibet and Bhutan through the Central Asian Flyway. In Nepal, it is considered vagrant and data deficient with scattered sightings over the years. The species have been regularly observed during the breeding season in the wetlands of Limi Valley Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), in Humla District hinting towards possible breeding population. This highlights urgent need for scientific assessment and conservation action before the species is lost from Nepal.

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) is leading a project to assess the population status, breeding status, behavior and habitat requirement of Black-necked Crane in the Limi Valley IBA with financial support from International Crane Foundation (ICF). The project aims to safeguard both the crane and its habitat through field work, habitat assessment and community engagement. The objectives of the project are:

• Determine the population size and distribution of Black-necked Cranes in the Limi Valley through comprehensive field surveys.
• Assess the breeding status of Black-necked Cranes in the study area.
• Investigate the habitat preferences and foraging pattern of Black-necked Cranes.
• Collaborate with local communities and other stakeholders to raise awareness.