This species is distributed widely throughout SE Asia. In India, it is present in southern Indian Peninsula, NE India and N. India except at high elevation. It is closely associated with water. It inhabits mangroves, wetlands, rivers and large lakes. It is a group living species, groups are small-to-medium sized groups (up to 15). Its diet is mainly fishes, crustraceans.

Conservation Status:

This species is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).


According to IUCN Red List assessment, its population is decreasing all over its range. There are no accurate estimates of its population except for presence/absence data from various areas. Threat to its survival come from habitat destruction, pollution, agricultural expansion, uncontrolled fishing etc. It is also observed that there are many cases of poaching, trapping and pet trade that this species faces.