New Delhi:
In a significant milestone for conservation efforts, a group of 12 Great Indian Bustards, one of India’s most critically endangered species, was recently spotted together in the Desert National Park in Rajasthan. This sighting, which occurred near the towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer, highlights the positive impact of ongoing conservation initiatives.
The Great Indian Bustard, locally known as “Godawan” or “Maldhok,” is a species on the brink of extinction, with only 173 birds remaining, of which 128 are in the wild and the rest are in captivity. The latest sighting is particularly noteworthy as it includes birds born in the wild, primarily females aged three to four years, along with some younger males.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Ashish Vyas noted that the sighting underscores the effectiveness of the protective measures implemented within the Desert National Park. “The 12 Great Indian Bustards captured in a single frame demonstrate the results of our efforts to protect the endangered state bird. The closure within the DNP area has been crucial,” Vyas explained.
The conservation of the Great Indian Bustard has been a multifaceted effort. In 2011, the species was listed as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, citing hunting, habitat loss, and fragmentation as key factors in their declining population. In response, Rajasthan launched a Rs 12.90 crore project in 2013 to protect the natural habitat and improve breeding conditions for the birds.
The state’s conservation strategy includes improving the grasslands, which are the natural habitat of the Great Indian Bustards, and ensuring they have sufficient food. The birds are omnivores, feeding on insects and desert fruits. Fencing the areas to protect them from predators like the desert fox, desert cat, and mongoose has also been a critical measure. This fencing helps in successful breeding by safeguarding their eggs from being carried away by predators.
Recently, the conservation program achieved another milestone with the successful hatching of a Great Indian Bustard chick through artificial insemination at the National Conservation Breeding Centre in Jaisalmer. The chick, named “Arambh,” is now nearly four months old and represents a significant step in increasing the population of this endangered species.
The Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with the Government of India and the Rajasthan Forest Department, established the Great Indian Bustard Artificial Breeding Center in Jaisalmer as part of the Bustard Recovery Program. This initiative aims to boost the population of the Great Indian Bustard and ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.
