Why in News?
Supreme Court Judge Justice P.S. Narasimha observed that Western environmental law concepts like “inter-generational equity” are anthropocentric and inadequate for protecting endangered species. He stressed adopting an ecocentric approach while hearing a plea on conserving the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican.
Description:
| Parameter | Great Indian Bustard (GIB) | Lesser Florican |
| Scientific Name | Ardeotis nigriceps | Sypheotides indicus |
| Family | Otididae | Otididae |
| IUCN Status | Critically Endangered | Critically Endangered |
| Wildlife Protection Act Status | Schedule I | Schedule I |
| Habitat Type | Arid and semi-arid grasslands | Open grasslands and scrublands |
| Main Distribution | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
| Flagship Role | Flagship species for grassland ecosystem | Indicator of grassland health |
| Population Estimate | About 50–249 individuals | Fewer than 1,000 individuals |
| Key Threats | Power line collisions, habitat loss, infrastructure expansion | Habitat loss, hunting, egg predation |
| Major Cause of Mortality | Collision with overhead power lines (~18 per year in Rajasthan) | Habitat degradation and egg loss |
| Diet | Omnivorous – insects, seeds, lizards | Omnivorous – insects, shoots, herbs |
| Breeding Centres | Sam and Ramdevra (Rajasthan) | Sorsan (Rajasthan) |
| Conservation Programme | GIB Species Recovery Programme (2015) | Part of same recovery plan (since 2016) |
| Next Phase Funding (2024–2033) | ₹56 crore (MoEFCC–CAMPA approved) | Included under same ₹56 crore project |
| Implementing Agency | Wildlife Institute of India (WII) | Wildlife Institute of India (WII) |
| In-situ Conservation States | Rajasthan, Gujarat | Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh |
| Rewilding Timeline | From 2027 onwards | From 2027 onwards |
| Supreme Court Oversight | SC monitoring powerline mitigation | SC petition linked with GIB conservation |
| Unique Feature | One of the heaviest flying birds | Smallest bustard species; known as Kharmor |
| Symbolic Importance | State bird of Rajasthan | Local grassland emblem in western India |
