Project Great Indian Bustard

Context

The Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Captive Breeding Programme entered its fourth successful year, marked by the hatching of two new chicks at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan. This milestone signals progress in the "soft release" phase of the conservation strategy.

About the Project

What it is?

The captive breeding initiative serves as a critical "biological insurance policy" against the extinction of the GIB. It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Launched In: The broader Project GIB was initiated by the Rajasthan government in 2013, with dedicated breeding facilities becoming fully operational between 2019 and 2022.
Aim: To establish a self-sustaining captive population and eventually reintroduce birds into the wild to stabilize their dwindling numbers.

Key Features:

Scientific Breeding: Utilizes both natural mating and advanced artificial insemination to maximize genetic diversity.
Ex-situ & In-situ Integration: Combines controlled breeding (Ex-situ) with the protection of natural grasslands (In-situ).
Soft Release Strategy: A gradual transition where captive-bred birds are acclimated to the wild within protected enclosures before full release.
International Support: Technical collaboration with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (Abu Dhabi).

Species Profile: Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

The "Flagship" of Grasslands:

The GIB is a majestic, ground-dwelling bird and the official State Bird of Rajasthan (locally called Godawan). As an "umbrella species," its protection automatically safeguards the entire grassland ecosystem.

Conservation Status:

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule I (Highest protection).
CITES: Appendix I.

Habitat & Distribution:

Habitat: Prefers dry, open grasslands and scrublands; avoids irrigated or heavily forested areas.
Distribution: Historically found across India, it is now restricted to fragmented pockets in Rajasthan (Desert National Park), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Concentration: Rajasthan holds over 90% of the remaining wild population.

Key Characteristics:

Physicality: One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, standing about 1 meter tall with a distinct black crown and pale neck.
Biology: An omnivore (insects, rodents, seeds) and a slow breeder, typically laying only one egg per year, which makes population recovery naturally difficult.

Challenges to Survival

Power Line Electrocution: High-voltage overhead power lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat are the single greatest threat to the GIB due to its poor frontal vision.
Habitat Loss: Conversion of "wastelands" (grasslands) into agricultural land or renewable energy parks (solar/wind).
Predation: Eggs and chicks are highly vulnerable to free-ranging dogs and crows.
Slow Reproduction: Their "one-egg-per-year" cycle means even a single adult death significantly impacts the total population.

Way Forward

Underground Cabling: Expedite the Supreme Court-mandated transition of overhead power lines to underground cables in "priority areas."
Habitat Restoration: Declare more "Critical Wildlife Habitats" and remove invasive species from existing grasslands.
Community Stewardship: Involve local communities in Rajasthan as "Bustard Guards" to prevent poaching and nest disturbance.
Genetic Management: Ensure the captive breeding pool maintains high genetic variance to prevent inbreeding depression during reintroduction.

Conclusion

The success of the captive breeding programme offers a glimmer of hope for a species on the brink of extinction. However, captive breeding is only half the battle; the ultimate survival of the Great Indian Bustard depends on our ability to protect and restore the vast, open grasslands they call home.

Project Great Indian Bustard