After nearly four years, the Painted Stork has been sighted again in Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
The Chief Minister said the bird’s comeback signifies that “nature heals when we protect it.” The return highlights the success of Assam’s wetland conservation efforts.

About the Painted Stork

  • Scientific Name: Mycteria leucocephala
  • Family: Ciconiidae (Storks)
  • IUCN Red List (2023): Least Concern (upgraded from Near Threatened)
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV
  • Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, lakes, marshes, and riverbanks. 
  • Range: Found across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia. 
  • Major Breeding Sites: Keoladeo (Rajasthan), Vedanthangal (Tamil Nadu), Chilika (Odisha), and Kaziranga (Assam).
  • Threats:
  • Wetland loss & encroachment due to agriculture and urbanization.
  • Polluted water bodies affecting fish availability.
  • Disturbance at nesting sites from tourism and human activity.
  • Climate variability impacting migration and breeding.

MCQs

Q1. With reference to the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), consider the following statements:

  1. It is listed as ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List.
  2. It is found mainly in freshwater wetlands.
  3. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
 (a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 2 and 3 only
 (c) 1 and 3 only
 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

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