Nest-site Selection and Adaptability of the Asian Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) in Human-dominated Landscapes of Kerala, India

The Asian Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), a Near Threatened species, is increasingly observed breeding in human-dominated landscapes across South Asia. However, systematic studies on its nesting ecology in India remain scarce. This study investigates nest-site selection and adaptability of C. episcopus in the rapidly transforming landscapes of central Kerala, India. We recorded 30 active nests during the 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons across four districts, using a combination of citizen science data, field surveys, and spatial analyses. Nests were found on both natural (53.3%) and artificial substrates (46.7%), including trees and man-made structures such as telecom towers and electric pylons. Nesting sites were typically located near agricultural wetlands, rivers, and human settlements, with many nests situated within 5 km of major rivers and within 50 m of buildings or roads. Despite high levels of anthropogenic disturbance, storks demonstrated strong adaptability in substrate use, height preferences, and spatial proximity to foraging habitats. Our findings highlight the species’ behavioral flexibility and its reliance on wetland– agriculture mosaics in modified environments. This study highlights the species’ persistence in modified habitats and underscores the need to integrate wetland and nest-site protection into regional conservation planning.