Identification Characteristics:
This is a large waterbird species. It has a black head, neck, and large, medium, and upper wing coverts, as well as upper tail coverts. The beak is long and black, and the legs are very tall and red. The rest of the body is white. When viewed from below during flight, the bird appears white, except for a black band in the middle of the wings.
Biology and Ecology:
Suitable habitats include inland freshwater marshes, rivers, lakes, and mangrove forests. Black-necked Storks generally inhabit low-lying terrains, potentially up to an altitude of 1,200 meters. The breeding season is from October to March. Nests are large and are built on tall trees, 6-25 meters above the ground, or in rock crevices. They lay 3-5 white eggs, which measure 72.1 x 53.4 mm (79).
Distribution:
- In Vietnam: Found in the Central and Southern regions. Observed in Quảng Trị, Gia Lai, Đồng Nai, Bạc Liêu, and Đồng Tháp provinces. On March 7, 2003, it was rediscovered in Yok Don National Park, Đắk Lắk province, after many years (PARC YOKDON, 8/2003).
- Worldwide: India, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Value:
A waterbird with beautiful appearance and color, of scientific and tourism value.
Status:
A large waterbird, easily hunted. Population decline. It has not been observed in Vietnam since 1994-95. Threats may include habitat degradation and human impact on wetlands, especially in the Mekong Delta. It is currently rare in many other countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, where it was previously common. The largest remaining population is in Australia, estimated at no more than 10,000 individuals.
IUCN Red List Category:
DD (Data Deficient).
Conservation Measures:
Globally, the Black-necked Stork is listed as Near Threatened (LRnt). In Vietnam, several natural reserves in the Mekong Delta offer suitable habitats for the species. Besides the mangrove forests along the southern coast, inland reserves include Cát Tiên National Park (Đồng Nai), with many lakes and freshwater marshes; Tràm Chim National Park (Đồng Tháp); and Láng Sen (Long An), and Lò Gò-Sa Mát (Tây Ninh). The Nam Ca Nature Reserve in Đắk Lắk covers over 33,000 hectares and has several lakes, the largest being Ea R’Bine Lake, which is located within mountainous forests. This reserve is the source of many streams that flow into the Krông Nô River, one of the two main tributaries of the Srêpok River. The forest and natural water habitats here are highly suitable for various waterbird species. Further investigation and enhanced conservation measures are needed for the Black-necked Stork in Yok Don National Park.