Described by environmentalists as a symbol of the “cultural identity of the Himalayan eco-system”, the black-necked crane is facing a grim battle for survival, prompting experts in India and Bhutan to call for regional cooperation for the conservation of the species, says a report in Assam Tribune. A two-day IndoBhutan workshop organised by WWF-India in collaboration with the state forest department was held from 9 February at Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh), the wintering site of the bird. The meeting recommended joint conservation of the species by India and Bhutan at the landscape level, site-specific conservation measures to be taken by the respective national government under the regional black-neck crane conservation framework and regional-level policy and advocacy for the protection of the species.

There were also calls for strong community-based conservation in black-necked crane habitats and regular monitoring, with the experts saying that the species should be promoted as a cultural symbol of the Himalayan region.

The black-necked crane breeds in the high altitude wetlands of the Tibetan Plateau (China), eastern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir and Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim. They spend the winter in the lower altitudes of the Tibetan Plateau, Yunan and Guizhou (China) and in Phobjika and Bumdeling (Bhutan). The total global population of the species is estimated at 11,000 and it is listed as a “vulnerable” species by the International Unit for Conservation of Nature.

War homage

A Japanese team that came to Kohima to pay homage to their fallen soldiers 70 years ago during the World War II was given a warm welcome by the Nagas, accoding to a report in the Dimapur-based Nagaland Page. Pukoho Viro, now 88 years old, from Jakhama village, sang the Japanese national anthem at a memorial erected at Mount Puliebadze ridge, six kilometres from Kohima by the Naga National Council, which had supported the combined force of the Indian National Army led by Subhash Chandra Bose and the invading Japanese army. He said “Arigato” (Thank you) to the Japanese team.Viro had learnt a little bit of Japanese in 1944 when they had opened a school at Jakhama, 15 km from Kohima, and forced villagers to learn the language. The school had to be closed when war began in and around Kohima on 4 April 1944. The people of Jotsoma village are ready to donate land if the Japanese government wants to construct a cemetery.

RAF camp found

The World War II Imphal Campaign Foundation has found a camp used by the Royal Air Force during the war in the Sentinel hills, locally known as Langthabal Phura Makhong hills, a few kilometres from Tulihal international airport, says a report in the Sangai Express. The foundation chief, Yumnam Rajeshwar, said the 233rd squadron of the RAF was stationed there in 1944. According to him, the camp&’s location was worked out after comparing photographs taken during the war with descriptions given by local elders. The hillock nearby is now being levelled for rehabilitation of families displaced following the expansion of Tulihal airport. The Americans wanted to have a runway of just 2,000 feet but British engineers constructed one as long as 2000 yards due to a communication gap.