Context:
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Captive Breeding Programme has entered its fourth year, with the successful hatching of two chicks at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan, marking progress in efforts to save this critically endangered species.
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative / Programme Details
- Joint initiative by:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Rajasthan Forest Department
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
- Part of broader Project Great Indian Bustard (launched in 2013).
- Dedicated breeding facilities operational since 2019–2022.
- Scientific & Conservation Approach
- Use of:
- Natural breeding
- Artificial insemination techniques
- Combines:
- In-situ conservation (habitat protection)
- Ex-situ conservation (captive breeding)
- New Strategy & Collaboration
- Introduction of Soft Release Strategy:
- Gradual acclimatization of birds before release into the wild.
- Technical support from International Fund for Houbara Conservation (Abu Dhabi).
- Significance
- Acts as an insurance mechanism against extinction.
- Aims to create a self-sustaining population and reintroduce into natural habitats.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps):
- One of the heaviest flying birds.
- Known as “Godawan” (State Bird of Rajasthan).
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Habitat:
- Dry grasslands and scrublands (avoids dense forests & irrigated lands).
- Distribution:
- Mainly in Rajasthan (Desert National Park) – holds >90% population.
- Also in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.
- Biology:
- Slow breeder (usually one egg/year).
- Omnivorous: feeds on insects, rodents, seeds, reptiles.
- Umbrella Species: Protection helps conserve entire grassland ecosystem.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Highlights crisis of grassland ecosystems, often neglected in conservation.
- Challenges:
- Habitat loss due to agriculture & infrastructure (power lines)
- Low reproductive rate
- Fragmented populations
- Importance of integrated conservation models (in-situ + ex-situ).
- Role of international collaboration in wildlife conservation.
- Way Forward
- Expand protected grassland habitats and reduce anthropogenic pressures.
- Mitigate threats like power line collisions (underground cabling).
- Strengthen community participation and awareness.
- Scale up captive breeding and release programmes.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS III: Environment & Biodiversity
- Prelims: Species in News, Conservation Status