Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Horsfield, 1821 (Ciconiiformes: Ciconiidae) in the dry lowlands of Sri Lanka: distribution, ecology, and threats

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Published: Nov 26, 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2425.7.14.8089-8095
Keywords:
Conservation, local stakeholder communities, protected areas, random distribution value, species range, stork-nesting behavior, threatened species, wildlife questionnaire surveys.

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Thilina N. de Silva
Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5539-1617
Sumudu Fernando
Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7477-8080
Haritha B. de Silva
Defenders of Wildlife Sri Lanka, PO Box: 42/11, Pragathi Mawatha, Uda Eriyagama, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7497-739X
Parami Tennakoon
Assistant Divisional Secretary, Divisional Secretariat, Dimbulagala 51031, Sri Lanka
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9474-294X

Abstract

The Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus is a globally threatened species of stork; in Sri Lanka, it is a scarce resident breeder, and the largest bird in the country, yet the population status and ecology of the species is poorly understood.  This study tracks the stork’s spatial distribution and habitat use within the island, along with aspects of its ecology.  Data was collected via field sampling and questionnaire surveys, over a period of five years across the lowlands of the country.  The bird was observed 184 times, with numbers per sighting ranging from 1–17 individuals.  The species’ distribution was restricted to dry lowlands (rainfall <2200mm, elevation <300m).  The bird showed preference for savannah/woody savannahs, dry mixed evergreen forests, permanent wetlands, and croplands, and was prominently found within protected areas.  Lesser Adjutants were generally solitary, except in the driest months of the year (i.e., August–September and March–April), which are probably the two breeding periods of the bird in Sri Lanka.  Except for an abandoned nest, no active nest was found.  Habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, agricultural intensification, and development projects were identified as potential threats faced by the species, which varied in magnitude across the country.

 

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 14 (2015)
Section
Communications

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Author Biographies

Thilina N. de Silva, Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA

Thilina N. de Silva is PhD student of the Biodiversity Institute at the University of Kansas USA, studying ecology and evolution of weaverbirds (Family: Ploceidae). Completed bachelors at the University of Peradeniya with honors in Zoology. 

 

Sumudu Fernando, Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA

Sumudu Fernando is PhD student of the Biodiversity Institute at the University of Kansas studying evolution, distribution patterns and speciation of Treepies and Blue-magpies. Completed bachelors at the University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka with first class honors in Zoology.

 

Haritha B. de Silva, Defenders of Wildlife Sri Lanka, PO Box: 42/11, Pragathi Mawatha, Uda Eriyagama, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka

Haritha B. de Silva is undergraduate of University of Peradeniya. Research assistant entomological laboratory of Department of Zoology.  Secretary of ‘Defenders of Wildlife Sri Lanka’, an organization for wildlife conservation. 

 

Parami Tennakoon, Assistant Divisional Secretary, Divisional Secretariat, Dimbulagala 51031, Sri Lanka

Parami Tennakoon is Assistant Divisional Secretary at the Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat. Obtained his bachelors degree from the University of Peradeniya with honors in Zoology. A wildlife enthusiast and a popular civil servant. Involved in community services in Dimbulagala.

 

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