The milky stork (Mycteria cinerea) is a large, endangered waterbird found in Southeast Asia. While most of the remaining population is found in Indonesia, it also occurs in Cambodia and Malaysia. Researchers believe the species is now most likely extinct in Thailand and Vietnam. Milky storks are primarily coastal birds but can be found slightly inland in marshes, ponds, and rice fields. When breeding, milky storks form large groups called colonies that contain from 10 up to several hundred pairs of birds.
Like many species, milky storks face intense pressure from human activities. Mangrove forests where they nest are heavily logged. Stork habitat is also converted for agricultural uses, including tidal rice fields and commercial fish farms. Though protected through most of its range, and despite occurring in several protected national parks, adults, young, and eggs are still hunted for food and domestic trade. Milky storks also face another challenge, hybridization. These storks can hybridize by mating with closely related species, which makes recovering the original species difficult.
The wild milky stork population has declined significantly from the 1980s, and as of 2017 consists of around 2,200 individuals. At the same time, capture and trade have resulted in a growing captive population. Several groups are working to reintroduce the milky stork from captive-breeding programs. Though success has been limited so far, captive populations may provide an avenue for recovery in the wild for this species.
-
What challenges do milky storks face?
-
Answer
Hybridization, milky storks can hybridize by mating with closely related species, which makes recovering the original species difficult.
-
Answer
-
Hybridization, milky storks can hybridize by mating with closely related species, which makes recovering the original species difficult.
-
Answer
Hybridization, milky storks can hybridize by mating with closely related species, which makes recovering the original species difficult.
-
Answer
-
How many milky stork pairs breed together in a colony?
-
Answer
From 10 up to several hundred milky stork pairs breed together in a colony.
-
Answer
captive-breeding program
Noun
plans, research, and work done by an organization, such as a zoo, to control reproduction of rare species in that organization's facilities (not in the wild).
colony
Noun
group of one species of organism living close together.
hybridize
Verb
to produce or influence the production of an organism from organisms of different breeds, varieties, species, or genera.
mangrove
Noun
type of tree or shrub with long, thick roots that grows in salty water.
waterbird
Noun
bird which lives near a freshwater or marine ecosystem, including wading birds, diving birds, and waterfowl.
Articles & Profiles
Maps