4 thoughts on “Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)”
Distribution Map
No comments on the red listing, however, the map of the species, with lines along the rivers of southern India may be removed. I do not think there been any reliable reports of Black-necked Stork from the southern Indian states. E.g., an analysis of historical records from Karnataka here. https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB_12_4_5_PraveenETAL_KarnatakaChecklist.pdf (for e.g. transcription errors of Black-necked Stork instead of Black Stork is also likely).
It was formerly, perhaps, more widespread in northern Peninsular India. However, its current distribution is mainly in the northern plains and wetlands of NW India (except the Thar) with some localized populations in northern parts of Peninsular India. https://www.birdtaxonomy.in/Ciconiidae.html
The information is important to justify that the Sri Lankan population may truly be an isolated one and may be treated as a sub-population.
Black-necked Stork used to be seen often in early 2000 in Central India but now very rarely in the same areas. Also in some Asian countries like Pakistan it is not seen anymore. I think the Black-necked Stork needs further monitoring and should continue in the NT category till we get a reliable estimate from its erstwhile range.
With my exposure to the species in central Indian landscape over the last 17 years (2008-2025) it is declining. Also the effort and the EOO estimation doesnt precisely mention the change in the EAAA clearly. The amount of landscape change that is happening in its range of extant is also not cleary studied. Hence it will be important to keep it in its current status atleast for the asian sub species. Also the inter connectivity of the Srilankan population and Indian population is not verified. So my request keeping in mind the trend and speed at which Land use changes are happening it will not be wise decision to down list the species.
Distribution Map
No comments on the red listing, however, the map of the species, with lines along the rivers of southern India may be removed. I do not think there been any reliable reports of Black-necked Stork from the southern Indian states. E.g., an analysis of historical records from Karnataka here. https://indianbirds.in/pdfs/IB_12_4_5_PraveenETAL_KarnatakaChecklist.pdf (for e.g. transcription errors of Black-necked Stork instead of Black Stork is also likely).
It was formerly, perhaps, more widespread in northern Peninsular India. However, its current distribution is mainly in the northern plains and wetlands of NW India (except the Thar) with some localized populations in northern parts of Peninsular India.
https://www.birdtaxonomy.in/Ciconiidae.html
The information is important to justify that the Sri Lankan population may truly be an isolated one and may be treated as a sub-population.
Black-necked Stork used to be seen often in early 2000 in Central India but now very rarely in the same areas. Also in some Asian countries like Pakistan it is not seen anymore. I think the Black-necked Stork needs further monitoring and should continue in the NT category till we get a reliable estimate from its erstwhile range.
From Nepal, I suggest, still we have not arrived to downgrade this species from NT to LC.
With my exposure to the species in central Indian landscape over the last 17 years (2008-2025) it is declining. Also the effort and the EOO estimation doesnt precisely mention the change in the EAAA clearly. The amount of landscape change that is happening in its range of extant is also not cleary studied. Hence it will be important to keep it in its current status atleast for the asian sub species. Also the inter connectivity of the Srilankan population and Indian population is not verified. So my request keeping in mind the trend and speed at which Land use changes are happening it will not be wise decision to down list the species.