Nearly 30 years after it was last recorded in the area, the endangered lesser adjutant stork was sighted on the bank of the Gaurang river near Bilasipara in Assam’s Dhubri district on Sunday. Members of Aranya Suraksha Samity, Assam (ASSA) photographed the birds in Andhurjhar farming lands close to Udmari village and reported an initial count of 12 individuals, saying there may be more in the surrounding area.
The lesser adjutant stork, a close relative of the greater adjutant (locally known as Hargila), is rare and listed as endangered in Assam. ASSA secretary general Haricharan Das called the sighting “welcome news for naturalists and nature lovers,” and said the appearance of the species suggests a possible local rebound after decades of absence.
ASSA activists, who regularly run village campaigns to raise awareness about protecting bird habitats, captured the photographs and are monitoring the area for additional sightings. Their conservation outreach focuses on reducing human disturbance and protecting wetland and farmland habitats that storks depend on.
Amateur ornithologist Diptiman Dutta of Gauripur attributed the earlier decline to habitat destruction. “Human interference and disturbance in their habitats is the sole reason behind the declining population of lesser adjutant stork. But it is good news that again after nearly 30 years, the birds are returning to Dhubri district,” he said.
The sighting comes as national attention on stork conservation has grown: Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced the greater adjutant and conservation efforts in Assam during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on Sunday. Conservationists say continued local protection and community awareness will be crucial if the lesser adjutant is to re-establish a stable presence in the region.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/endangered-lesser-adjutant-stork-spotted-near-bilasipara-after-nearly-30-years/articleshow/132074516.cms
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-06-29 21:03:00
