Black-necked Stork: Near Threatened
The Black-necked Stork (scientific name: Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is a thinly distributed species of stork endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.
AIOxm announces a t‐shirt that celebrates the beautiful Black-necked Stork. This t‐shirt is a part of our ‘Endangered Species Project’. Other species featured in the project include Western Black Rhinoceros (Extinct), Black Softshell Turtle (Extinct in the Wild), Vaquita (Critically Endangered), Wallace’s Golden Birdwing (Endangered), Snowy Owl (Vulnerable), Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Least Concern) and more.
The T‐shirt
- The front of this t‐shirt features original artwork depicting the Black-necked Stork.
- The back of the t‐shirt depicts the word ‘NEAR THREATENED’ in bold, along with the common name, the scientific name and the conservation status on a scale.
The Species
The Black-necked Stork (scientific name: Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is a species of stork endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia (the only species of stork in Australia). It has a conservation status of ‘Near Threatened’. It is a large bird with a striking plumage characterised by black-and-white markings, and has a glossy-bluish black head and neck. It thrives in natural wetlands like freshwater marshes, swamps, lakes, floodplains and estuaries. The population of the Black-necked Stork is thinly and widely distributed, making it difficult to assess its conservation status. Environmental degradation is slowly edging out these birds. Recently a Black-necked Stork was found with its beak jammed by a rubber ring, and was rescued by Indian wildlife officials. A pair of Storks can bond and cohabit for several years.
Role in Ecology
Storks are wading birds that help in facilitating the ecology of fresh water wetlands. They play a critical role in the food chain by consuming smaller species like invertebrates, amphibians and fish, thereby helping to maintain the balance in the populations of these species.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity (or Biological Diversity) is a term that describes the variety of living beings on earth, and includes diversity across species, within species, and across ecosystems. It is vital to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The estimates for the number of species on Earth vary, and a 2011 study put the count at 8.7 million.
To buy this t-shirt, or see our entire series, visit our store on Amazon.com.
