Greater Adjutant
Leptoptilos dubius
The greater adjutant is a member of the stork family, Ciconiidae. Its genus includes the lesser adjutant of Asia and the marabou stork of Africa.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_adjutant
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Ciconiidae
Genus
Leptoptilos
Greater Adjutant belongs to the family Ciconiidae, order Ciconiiformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The greater adjutant is a member of the stork family, Ciconiidae. Its genus includes the lesser adjutant of Asia and the marabou stork of Africa. Once found widely across southern Asia and mainland southeast Asia, the greater adjutant is now restricted to a much smaller range with only three breeding populations; two in India, one in the north-eastern state of Assam and a smaller one around Bhagalpur; and another breeding population in Cambodia. They disperse widely after the breeding season. This large stork has a massive wedge-shaped bill, a bare head and a distinctive neck pouch. During the day, it soars in thermals along with vultures with whom it shares the habit of scavenging. They feed mainly on carrion and offal; however, they are opportunistic and will sometimes prey on...
The Greater Adjutant has experienced severe population declines primarily due to widespread habitat loss from wetland drainage, deforestation, and urban development across its range in South and Southeast Asia. Additional pressures include human disturbance at nesting and feeding sites, pollution of aquatic ecosystems, and direct persecution due to cultural taboos and conflicts with human activities.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Greater adjutant in water (Kaziranga, Assam)This species was once a widespread winter visitor in the riverine plains of northern India. However, their breeding areas were largely unknown for a long time until a very large nesting colony was finally discovered in 1877 at Shwaygheen on the Sittaung River, Pegu, Burma. It was believed that the Indian birds bred there. This breeding colony, which...
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Greater Adjutant has experienced severe population declines primarily due to widespread habitat loss from wetland drainage, deforestation, and urban development across its range in South and Southeast Asia. Additional pressures include human disturbance at nesting and feeding sites, pollution of aquatic ecosystems, and direct persecution due to cultural taboos and conflicts with human activities.
Deforestation of nesting trees
Human disturbance at colonies
Wetland habitat loss and degradation
Direct persecution and cultural taboos
Water pollution and contamination
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| NP | CRCritically Endangered | ENEndangered | Higher local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/greater-adjutant