Greater Adjutant Storks (Garuda)

• 14 Aug 2021

Why in News

Recently, Bihar has decided to tag greater adjutant storks locally known as ‘Garuda’ with GPS trackers to monitor their movement as part of efforts to conserve them.

Key Points

• Scientific Name: Leptoptilos dubius
• Genus:
  
  • The greater adjutant is a member of the stork family, Ciconiidae.
    • There are about 20 species in the family.
    • They are long-necked large birds.
• Habitat:
  
  • Once found across South and Southeast Asia, the Greater Adjutant is one of the most threatened stork species in the world.
  • There are only three known breeding grounds – one in Cambodia and two in India (Assam and Bihar).
• Threat:
  
  • The widespread destruction and degradation of the wetlands that this scavenger bird needs to forage (i.e. search for food) and the loss of its nesting trees, led to a decline.
• Protection Status:
  
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule IV
• Significance:
  
  • Religious Icon:
    
    • They are considered the mount of Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s prime deities.
    • Some worship the bird and call it “Garuda Maharaj” (Lord Garuda) or “Guru Garuda” (Great Teacher Garuda).
  • Helpful for Farmers:
    
    • They help farmers by killing rats and other farm pests.

Source: DTE