Context
For the first time, captive-bred Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chicks are set to be released into enclosures in Desert National Park, Rajasthan. The move marks a major step in India’s conservation-breeding and rewilding programme for this critically endangered bird.
Explanation
- The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is one of India’s most threatened grassland birds.
- It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Its remaining population is concentrated mainly in Rajasthan, especially around Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.
- Major threats include habitat loss, grassland degradation, power-line collisions, predation and disturbance.
- The species is a ground-nesting bird with a slow reproductive rate, usually laying only one egg.
- India runs a conservation-breeding programme involving captive hatching and rearing of chicks.
- Rewilding requires gradual acclimatisation, predator protection, adequate insect/grassland food and long-term monitoring.
- GIB conservation highlights the ecological importance of arid and semi-arid grassland ecosystems.
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