Sarkari Naukri

16 August 2021 Current Affairs:Bihar has decided to tag the greater adjutant storks domestically recognised as ‘Garuda’ with GPS trackers to screen their motion as part of efforts to conserve them.

Key Points:
♦ Scientific Name: Leptoptilos dubius
♦ The increased adjutant belongs to member of the stork family, Ciconiidae. There are nearly 20 species in the family.
♦ They are long-necked massive birds.
♦ Habitat: Once located across South and Southeast Asia, the Greater Adjutant is one of the most threatened stork species in the world. There are only three regarded breeding grounds – one in Cambodia and two in India (Assam and Bihar).
♦ Threat: The huge destruction and degradation of the wetlands that this scavenger bird desires to forage (i.e. search for food) & the loss of its nesting trees, led to a decline.
♦ IUCN Red List: Endangered
♦ Religious Icon: They are regarded as the mount of Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s top deities. Some worship the chook and name it “Garuda Maharaj” (Lord Garuda) or “Guru Garuda” (Great Teacher Garuda).
♦ Helpful for Farmers: They assist farmers by means of killing rats and other farm pests.