Recently, the Government of India informed that Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has entered the fourth year of its captive breeding programme. This programme is a crucial conservation effort aimed at increasing the population of the species and preventing its extinction, as the bird is on the brink of disappearing from the wild.
About the Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard is a large terrestrial bird species that is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, meaning it is found naturally only in this region. It is considered one of the most endangered bird species in India, making its conservation a matter of urgent priority.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural habitat of the Great Indian Bustard consists of dry grasslands and scrublands, which provide suitable conditions for feeding and nesting. However, these habitats are rapidly declining due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and human interference.
Currently, the bird’s core population is confined to the Thar Desert, particularly in the districts of:
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Jaisalmer
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Barmer
This restricted distribution makes the species extremely vulnerable to extinction.
Key Characteristics
The Great Indian Bustard has several distinctive physical and biological features:
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It is among the heaviest flying birds in the world, which makes its flight energy-intensive.
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It has a horizontal body posture, long bare legs, and an ostrich-like appearance, adapted for terrestrial life.
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Both males and females are similar in size, with some individuals weighing up to 15 kilograms.
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The species has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years in natural conditions.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
The Great Indian Bustard is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it consumes a wide variety of food depending on seasonal availability. Its diet includes:
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Grass seeds, which form a major part of its food
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Insects, such as grasshoppers and beetles
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Occasionally small rodents and reptiles
This varied diet helps it survive in harsh and semi-arid environments.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard indicates that it is at a critical risk of extinction:
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According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is classified as Critically Endangered
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Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, it is listed in Appendix I, which provides the highest level of international protection
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In India, it is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring maximum legal safeguards
Conclusion
The Great Indian Bustard is a flagship species of India’s grassland ecosystem, but it faces severe threats due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and developmental activities. Conservation efforts such as captive breeding and habitat protection are essential to ensure its survival and restore its population, thereby preserving ecological balance.