Decline of Lesser Adjutant Stork Nests in Nagaon District Raises Conservation Concerns
Nagaon’s lesser adjutant stork nests drop 22% along Kalong river
Image: The Times Of India
The lesser adjutant stork population along the Kalong river in Nagaon district, Assam, has seen a 22% decline in active nests from 90 to 70 over three years. Habitat loss due to human encroachment and disturbances is a primary threat to this Near Threatened species.
- 01A census recorded a decline of 20 nests (22.2%) from 2023 to 2026.
- 02Human settlements near nesting sites, including schools and garages, pose significant threats to the stork population.
- 03Key nesting locations include Puronigudam, Dimaruguri, and Dhing, where specific tree species are favored for nesting.
- 04Community efforts have been made to protect nests, including installing nets to prevent juvenile injuries.
- 05Hunting remains a threat in remote areas, impacting the long-term survival of the species.
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The lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), classified as Near Threatened, has experienced a significant decline in nesting sites along the Kalong river in Nagaon district, Assam. A recent census conducted by students and researchers from Nagaon University revealed that the number of active nests dropped from 90 in 2023 to 70 in 2026, marking a 22.2% decrease. This decline is attributed to human encroachment and the commercialization of nesting habitats, with structures like fuel stations and schools disrupting the stork's natural environment. Key nesting areas are still found in locations such as Puronigudam and Dhing, where the storks prefer tall trees like Bombax ceiba and Terminalia arjuna. Community awareness is growing, with local residents participating in conservation efforts, such as installing protective nets beneath nesting trees. However, threats from hunting and habitat destruction persist, highlighting the urgent need for conservation initiatives.
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The decline in lesser adjutant stork nests indicates deteriorating environmental conditions along the Kalong river, affecting local biodiversity.
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