A Study on the Selection of Nest Trees by Asian Open Bill Storks (Anastomus Oscitans) in Adina Deer Park, West Bengal, India

Abstract

A field study on the nesting pattern of Asian Openbill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) was conducted over two days in September, 2024 in Adina Deer Park (25°08'25"N, 88°10'24"E) of West Bengal, India. The study area was the deer’s enclosure of Adina Deer Park, where colony of Asian Open Bill Stork has been observed. The study area has an elevation of 17 meters and an average annual temperature of 26.4°C. The aim of the present study was to investigate the total number of nests, the population, and the preferred nest tree species of Asian Openbill Storks in Adina Deer Park. All observations were conducted during the day using either the naked eye or 10x40 binoculars. A total of 332 trees of 19 species have been studied that were used by Asian Open Bill Storks for nesting. The current study suggests that Anthocephalus cadamba tree species have a greater preference for nesting, with an average of 31 nests per tree. Albizia lucida, Trewia nudiflora, Pongamia glabra and Cassia siamea also showed a good number of nests. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of every nest tree was also measured. Nest trees having DBH of (60-70) cm showed the highest average number of nests per tree. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r=0.91, P=0.01) between nest tree DBH and average nest per tree. Their selection of specific tree species for nesting emphasises how dependent they are on particular environmental factors.