Painted storks breed successfully in Adyar eco park after wetland restoration - The Times of India

Chennai: In 2020, researchers observed a Painted Stork nest on an Arjuna tree at Adyar Eco Park (Tholkappia Poonga) in the city, marking the first documented breeding of the species in the restored wetland. A year later, four young birds were sighted at the park, confirming successful breeding and survival."The occurrence of breeding of Painted Storks in Adyar Eco Park is a significant conservation milestone, especially following the park's ecological restoration. Despite the challenges posed by the lack of tall canopy trees and predation by crows, the successful hatching and growth of chicks underscore the park's importance as a breeding site," said B Rathinasabapathy, corresponding author of the study published in Zoo's Print journal.In Feb 2020, the team recorded two nests on Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) trees, about five metres high. One nest contained two chicks, while the second was abandoned in early March due to disturbances from crows. Of the two chicks that hatched, the weaker one was preyed upon by a Jungle Crow in April. The surviving chick was fed by its mother for 70–80 days, began foraging independently by mid-May, and was last sighted in July 2020. Researchers observed that the young storks were greyish-black with black beaks and white legs. By July 2021, four sub-adult Painted Storks were sighted in the park, which researchers identify as the same juveniles raised in the wetland.You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Gold Rate Today in Chennai | Silver Rate Today in ChennaiThe Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large wading bird native to South and Southeast Asia, ranging across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and extending into Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. With its white plumage, black flight feathers, and rose-pink tail, the species is easily identified. Painted Storks are colonial nesters, often breeding near wetlands, lakes, and rivers where they feed on fish and aquatic prey. In the city, they are occasionally seen at Pallikaranai marshland and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, apart from Adyar Eco Park.Although considered one of Asia's most abundant storks, their populations are under pressure from wetland loss, pollution, and shrinking water bodies. According to the study, around 10–15 individuals have now become permanent residents of Adyar Eco Park.Spread over 358 acres along the Adyar river, the park was restored by eradicating invasive species and reviving native vegetation. Researchers said that while Painted Storks typically nest on tall canopy trees, at Adyar they adapted to mid-sized Terminalia arjuna trees. They said continued monitoring and habitat management will be essential to support the breeding success of storks and other wetland birds in urban ecosystems.