In order to understand and monitor the status and distribution of the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in India, we carried out systematic long term yearly surveys between 2000 and 2014 at all previously known locations as well as attempted to explore new areas. In this paper, we have summarized the distribution and status of the species in its historic range based on the literature and data collected during surveys in Jammu & Kashmir and at few locations in Northeast India.

Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List Categories and legally protected in Bhutan. Bhutan is an important and the largest winter non-breeding habitat outside of the Chinese boundary. Blacknecked Cranes winter in Bhutan for about five months, and they come to central (Phobjilka, Khotokha and Gyetsa) and eastern (Bumdeling) Bhutan. In Bhutan most wintering areas lie within the Conservation or protected areas, and Bumdeling and Khotokha are declared as RAMSAR site.