Meet the Army of Women Saving India’s Rarest Stork | WILD HOPE

In the northeastern part of India, the greater adjutant stork has been considered an ill omen for generations, and the endangered bird has paid the price. Its breeding population here fell to just 115 birds by the 1990s.

But when biologist Purnima Devi Barman witnessed villagers chop down a tree crowned with the storks’ nests — and chicks — she launched a grassroots effort to do something about it. Today, 10,000 women across the region have banded together to protect nests, raise fledglings, and run educational programs for children and adults explaining the benefits the storks bring to their communities. They even produce textiles that celebrate the giant bird — and bring critical income and empowerment to the local women who are safeguarding its future.

These efforts have been a resounding success for greater adjutant stork conservation. A recent survey found 1,830 of the distinctive birds in Assam, and the species’ status on the IUCN Red List has been changed from “endangered” to “near threatened” — a testament to what can be achieved with community conservation.

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[antosebastian]

Govt of india should honor such noble efforts and support them

[megharjunkalita]

She is an Assamese lady and we the people of Assam are very proud of her

[kellykat]

It's compassionate women who care about the people & other creatures on this planet that will save the world.

[DINOSAURIA]

I've met Purnima Devi Burman in person and she's truly inspiring and she has done incredible work towards conservation of the "Hargila"

[dummyelement]

People like this lady and her team is the sole reason the world is still livable. Thank you baideu 🥺🥺

[joseenoel]

I'm a chick forest technician from Montreal, I majored in Sylviculture, we be the change, love you all!

[Śiśna]

Women of India has a unique culture and traditions, it is about time the world need to recognize them. Thanks for the organizing lady for all the effort she has put in.

[digantasonowal]

Thank you Pbs for covering this topic. As a resident of assam, the great adjustant stock(aka _bortukula_ or _hargila_ in local Assamese) has always fascinated me since my childhood. It was once abundant in upper assam too.But, due to human overpopulation, habitat loss and rapid deforestation has made the bird locally extinct the region. But thanks to the efforts of this women group the population of the bird has increased in some regions of assam. Also thanks to their efforts that the bird is no longer seen as a pest but rather a gift of nature.

With regards,
Diganta Sonowal,
Assam

[triplea]

What an amazing conservation model. This woman is a genius.

[Tamo]

I am from Assan's neighbouring state Meghalaya and I'm just so proud for our Northeastern sisters and this beautiful initiative.

[bertkreft]

these birds are creepy and awesome at the same time - they are a living heritage we have to pass onto future generations - it is not a duty - it is a joy - to be in the service of these unique creatures - it is a honour 🙏🏼

[Learningdvg]

What an incredible woman and what feat you’ve overcome with your women army. I’m so grateful for this documentary and the inspiration and agent of change it will spark in many. Bless you.

[turnbacktime]

Thank you all people who helped save these birds. ❤

[riaanvanniekerk]

One simply can’t emphasize enough the importance of these animals to nature and to humans. They keep diseases from spreading. In an overpopulated world we need more of these protectors. Great work by these women. Love it ❤

[j.d.youtube]

This doctor is absolutely brilliant! Engaging and enlightening local women in local action. I love this. It makes my heart soar!

[Pam]

Amazing work ladies - your efforts deserve the praise of all nature lovers around the globe!

[lynetteminute]

Purnima isn't only managing an incredible mission by saving these birds but also tackling an economic one by providing avenues for the advocates to earn incomes and support their communities, while also involving the men. It's a threefold objective, and such a beautiful strategy. I hope it continues to grow and expand for generations to come, for other species and regions as well. The world is all the better because of people who care and take action like her. Very inspirational.

[jeffj]

WOW. What an incredible story. She is amazing.
THANK YOU to all the Hargila Army for making a great difference to our world.

[kpmkpmth]

This lady is very very smart. One thing that Indian women outshine other country women is motherhood they are extremely sentimental of motherhood and extremely protective of their off-springs. This lady did a great job invoking that emotion and making them sympathize with these birds. Brilliant!
And she not only saved the birds she improved the socio-economic state of these ladies too.

[DarkPrincessOfLight]

Purnima is absolutely incredible! She is sooo smart, compassionate and has created an amazing movement. Her starting this all with local cooking competitions (when she realized no one was coming to her stork meetings at)- she has incredible insight !