GUWAHATI, June 9 � A sub-adult greater adjutant stork, named Christina, was successfully released back to its natural habitat at Boragaon near Deepor Beel on the city outskirts on Saturday.
This bird was rescued a few months back at Dadara of Kamrup district by a team of Aaranyak members and local villagers after it had fallen down from its tree-top nest. The seriously injured chick was later admitted at Assam State Zoo veterinary hospital and treated successfully under the guidance of wildlife veterinarian Dr ML Smith.
The released bird joined a flock of some 200 greater adjutant storks near Deepor. �I am delighted to see so many greater adjutant storks together here, and I am sure the released bird would feel comfortable with its other member of its family,� Dr Smith said. Assistant Conservator of Forest, Assam, Nripen Kalita witnessed the release of the bird which mingled readily with its relatives in the area.
�Greater adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius) is an IUCN Redlist endangered bird and has a global population of just about 1,000. Assam is its last stronghold, and saving a single bird amounts to a big contribution towards its conservation,� Purnima Devi Barman, who heads Aaranyak�s Greater Adjutant Conservation Programme, said. Aaranyak has been working for conservation of the bird species for many years now in collaboration with local communities.
This four-month-old bird was named Christina after Christina Imrich of Wildlife Conservation Society. Christina Imrich and her team of Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is working closely with Aaranyak for conservation of many globally endangered species in Assam.
Robyn Dalzyn, executive manager in the CLP said, �I am continually impressed by the commitment and dedication of Aaranyak team � they will stop at nothing to care for this magnificent bird and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and live in harmony with Dadara village.�
Christina was excited to hear the news that her name was given to a bird which is globally endangered. �I am very much honoured to share my name with a greater adjutant stork, especially having seen and appreciated the tremendous amount of care the community takes to protect this species. Congratulations to Purnima, Aaranyak and the CLP team for another successful chick release and to the community which has become a model for conservation,� Christina said in a statement from the US.