Despite there being no obvious threat from the villagers or from excessive tourism due to the Inner Line permit restriction, the number of birds visiting the area is declining. The winter of 2000–1 witnessed the arrival of a lone bird, which stayed only for one day. The reasons for this could be:
1. The drying up of the marshy land, which is a crane feeding area, caused by the felling of trees on the hill slopes;
2. As a result of the deforestation on the hills, the temperature has increased, leading to a change in the course of the Sangti River which now cuts through the paddy field which is a roosting ground for the birds.
3. Another factor influencing their diminishing numbers is that the farmer who owns the field has started using chemical fertilizers and pesticides since the past 2–3 years in order to increase his yield.
4. Continuing picnics and loud noise in areas close to the roosting site.