Oriental white stork  (Ciconia boyciana)

Wetlands around the world have been drained for agricultural development, and the habitat of the Oriental white stork is no exception, particularly at the breeding sites. In Russia, breeding sites are also at risk from spring fires, which bring down tall trees suitable for nesting, forcing delayed nesting and reduced reproductive success. At the wintering sites in China, over-fishing has reduced the availability of prey species for the Oriental white stork. Throughout the range, this stork is hunted and collected for zoos, despite legal protection (3).

The Oriental white stork is legally protected in Russia, Mongolia, China, North Korea, South Korea and Japan. It also benefits from many protected areas in both Russia and China. Re-introduction programmes in South Korea and Japan should help to reduce declines, but further protected areas are necessary to prevent habitat loss being the cause of this species’ extinction. The maintenance of tall trees and the addition of artificial nest poles in potential breeding areas, as well as control of human disturbance at nest sites during the breeding season should also encourage increased breeding success. Further action includes campaigns against the use of fire by farmers in the breeding grounds and against poaching (2).