 Great white pelicans range over a large area of Africa and southern Asia . The overall trend in numbers is uncertain , with a mix of regional populations that are increasing , declining , stable or unknown , but there is no evidence of rapid overall decline and the status of the species is assessed as being of Least Concern . Threats include the drainage of wetlands , persecution and sport hunting , disturbance at the breeding colonies , and contamination by pesticides and heavy metals . 
