Re 'Jabiru'

["Greg & Val Clancy" <>]

Hi Chris,

The problem is that the species (or subspecies) also occurs in New Guinea so 
it can't be Australian Jabiru and remember 'Jabiru' means 'swollen neck' 
which is hardly suitable for our slender-necked species.
I received an email asking for more information on why the subspecies may be 
considered for species status in the future.  The writer also said please 
don't say that it is based on DNA!!!
Well it is based on DNA.  Tissue samples were analysed from two Black-necked 
Storks, one an Australian bird and the other a captive bird believed to have 
been from Asia.  The genetic distances were apparently further apart than 
those between some other stork species.  The most likely  conclusion that 
could be made from this is that we have two species.  Christidis and Boles 
were going to split the species but decided to await further DNA analysis 
before doing so.  Hence the species was not split in the 2008 edition.  I 
hope that I have explained the genetics properly as it is not my field.

Greg Clancy
Coutts Crossing