Dhubri: Nearly 30 years after it was last seen in the area, the endangered lesser adjutant stork was spotted on the bank of the Gaurang river near Bilasipara in Assam’s Dhubri district on Sunday.The lesser adjutant stork is related to the greater adjutant stork, locally called Hargila. Both are rare and endangered in Assam.Aranya Suraksha Samity, Assam (ASSA) secretary general Haricharan Das said the bird was sighted by ASSA activists in Andhurjhar farming lands near Udmari village, who also photographed it. “Our activists counted as many as 12 lesser adjutant storks. But there may be more in the vicinity and periphery. It is welcome news for naturalists and nature lovers as well that this species is reappearing,” he said.Das said ASSA activists regularly campaign in villages to build awareness on protecting bird habitats.Amateur ornithologist Diptiman Dutta of Gauripur said the birds nearly disappeared due 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.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mentioned the greater adjutant stork and conservation efforts in Assam in his Mann Ki Baat.
A lesser adjutant stork
