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The Great Indian Bustard almost Extinct
The Great Indian Bustard: A Critically Endangered Bird
The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is a magnificent bird that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Unfortunately, it is now critically endangered. The GIB was once commonly found across the dry grasslands and scrublands of India and Pakistan. However, in recent years, its population has seen a sharp decline, making it one of the most threatened bird species on the planet.
The Great Indian Bustard was once considered for the title of India’s “National Bird.” Indian Ornithologist Salim Ali strongly supported this nomination. However, the “Indian Peafowl” was chosen instead.
Importance of the Great Indian Bustard
The GIB is not just another bird; it plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It is an indicator of the health of grassland ecosystems. In other words, the presence of GIBs in an area suggests that the grasslands are thriving and healthy. The GIB helps maintain the ecological balance and biodiversity of its habitat.
The Great Indian Bustard: A Magnificent Bird
The Great Indian Bustard, scientific name Ardeotis nigriceps, is a remarkable bird that stands out for its size and unique appearance. It is one of the largest terrestrial birds in the world, with an impressive height of about 1 to 1.2 meters (3.3 to 3.9 feet) and a weight of around 15-18 kg (33-40 lbs). This makes the Great Indian Bustard one of the heaviest flying birds on the planet.
Distinctive Features of the Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard has several distinctive features that make it easily recognizable:
- Long, bare neck and legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance
- Male has a black cap on its head, contrasting with its pale neck and brownish body
- Female is smaller and lacks the prominent black cap
Size and Weight
The Great Indian Bustard exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females differ in size and weight:
- Males:
- Length: 1.1 – 1.20 m
- Weight: 8 to 18 kg
- Females:
- Length: 9.2 m (shorter than males)
- Weight: 3.5 to 6.75 kg
Sensory Abilities and Behavior
The Great Indian Bustard possesses exceptional sensory abilities:
- Exceptional vision: The bird has excellent eyesight, which helps it detect potential threats from a distance.
- Acute hearing: The Great Indian Bustard also has a keen sense of hearing, further enhancing its ability to perceive danger.
- Hiding behavior: When threatened, the bird can hide to avoid detection.
Flock Behavior
Male and female Great Indian Bustards usually travel in separate, single-sex flocks. These flocks typically consist of 3 to 10 birds.
- Roosting: The Great Indian Bustard roosts on the ground. When a flock rests together, a few birds remain alert to keep watch for any potential threats.
- Resting preferences: At night, the birds roost in open areas, while during the day, they prefer to rest in lush grass or in the shade of a shrub.
Habitat and Range of the Great Indian Bustard
Approximately 80% of the Great Indian Bustard’s habitat is located outside of Desert National Park. The Great Indian Bustard is found in the following habitats:
- Arid and semi-arid grasslands
- Scrublands
- Agricultural fields
Historically, the Great Indian Bustard’s range included parts of India and Pakistan. However, today, the majority of the surviving population is limited to a few states in India:
The habitat and range of the Great Indian Bustard have been severely affected by various factors, which we will discuss in the next section. It is crucial to understand these factors to appreciate the challenges faced by this magnificent bird and the efforts needed to ensure its conservation.
Sewan Grass and the Great Indian Bustard Breeding Centre
The grass on which the Great Indian Bustards lay their eggs is known as sewan grass (Lasiurus scindicus).
In 2019, the Great Indian Bustard breeding centre was established to protect and conserve wild eggs.
Breeding Season and Territorial Behavior
- The breeding season of the Great Indian Bustard starts from March and lasts until September.
- Adult bustards have territories spanning up to 1-2 square kilometers.
- Fights among adult bustards to defend their territories are common and can be aggressive.
- Male bustards do not allow any intruders in their territories.
Habitat Preferences
- Great Indian Bustards prefer grasslands.
- They select prominent places within their territories that provide a panoramic view of their surroundings.
Diet
The diet of the Great Indian Bustard is diverse and includes:
- Grains
- Drupes of Zizyphus (a type of fruit)
- Berries of Carissa (a type of shrub)
- Insects
- Small lizards
- Snakes
Different Names of the Great Indian Bustard
“Hook” sound: When faced with a threat, the Great Indian Bustard makes a barking sound called a “hook.” This is why the bird is also known as “Hookna” in certain regions of Northern India. In different states, the Great Indian Bustard is known by various names:
- Maldhok
- Yerbhoot
- Ghorad
- Godawan
- Tuqdar
- Sohan chidia
Supreme Court Takes Action to Protect the Great Indian Bustard
On March 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of India took a significant step towards protecting the Great Indian Bustard. The court formed an expert committee to find a balance between the conservation of the species and the sustainable development of renewable energy infrastructure.
Composition of the Expert Committee
The expert committee formed by the Supreme Court comprises representatives from various government bodies and organizations:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Wildlife Institute of India
- Other relevant stakeholders
Responsibilities of the Expert Committee
The expert committee has been given the crucial task of evaluating the feasibility of two types of electric lines in Great Indian Bustard habitats:
- Underground electric lines
- Overhead electric lines
The committee’s goal is to find the best practices for mitigating the impact of power lines on the Great Indian Bustard population while ensuring the sustainable growth of renewable energy projects.
Timeline for the Expert Committee’s Report
The Supreme Court has set a tight deadline for the expert committee to complete its work. The committee is expected to file its report within four weeks of its formation.
The report will provide recommendations on the best course of action for protecting the Great Indian Bustard while promoting the development of renewable energy infrastructure.
The Great Indian Bustard on the Brink of Extinction
The Great Indian Bustard is facing a severe crisis, with its population declining at an alarming rate. In 1969, there were an estimated 1,260 individuals. However, by 2008, the population had plummeted to around 300, and by 2011, there were less than 250 mature individuals left in the wild.
Factors Contributing to the Decline of the Great Indian Bustard
Several factors have played a role in the decline of the Great Indian Bustard population:
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
- Conversion of grasslands and scrublands into agricultural lands
- Expansion of infrastructure projects like roads, power lines, and wind turbines
- Loss and fragmentation of the Great Indian Bustard’s natural habitat
Collision with Power Lines
- The Great Indian Bustard has poor frontal vision and a heavy body
- This makes it vulnerable to collisions with overhead power lines
- Power lines have become a significant threat to the species
Hunting and Poaching
- The Great Indian Bustard is protected under Indian law
- However, illegal hunting and poaching for its meat and feathers still occur
- This poses a significant threat to the species
Other Threats
- Predation on Great Indian Bustard nests and eggs by feral dogs and other animals
- Competition for food with livestock
- These factors have also contributed to the decline of the species
Conservation Efforts to Save the Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard is a protected species, and several laws and conventions have been put in place to ensure its survival:
- Protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
- Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
- Included in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- Included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Despite these protections, the Great Indian Bustard population continues to decline. To address this, several initiatives and projects have been launched to conserve the species:
Project Great Indian Bustard
- Launched by the Rajasthan government in 2013
- Aims to identify and protect Great Indian Bustard breeding grounds
- Provides secure breeding enclosures for the birds
Conservation Breeding Programs
- Efforts to breed Great Indian Bustards in captivity have been undertaken
- Some success has been achieved in hatching and raising chicks
- These programs aim to increase the population of the species
Community-Based Conservation
- Involving local communities in conservation efforts is crucial
- Promoting eco-tourism and providing alternative livelihoods to local communities
- This helps protect Great Indian Bustard habitats and reduces the pressure on the species
Protected Areas Dedicated to the Great Indian Bustard
Several states in India have established protected areas specifically for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). These sanctuaries and national parks provide critical habitat for the species and help in its protection.
Rajasthan
- Desert National Park – located in Jaisalmer and Balmer districts
Gujarat
- Naliya Sanctuary in Kutch district
Madhya Pradesh
- Karera Wildlife Sanctuary (The Great Indian Bustard disappeared from Madhya Pradesh in the early 1990s)
Maharashtra
- Nannaj Grasslands in Solapur district
Andhra Pradesh
- Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Challenges and Controversies in Great Indian Bustard Conservation
Despite the various conservation efforts in place, the Great Indian Bustard still faces several challenges and controversies that hinder its protection:
Impact of Renewable Energy Infrastructure
- The expansion of wind and solar power projects in Great Indian Bustard habitats is a concern
- The risk of collisions with power lines poses a significant threat to the species
- Balancing the need for renewable energy and the protection of the Great Indian Bustard is a challenge
Effectiveness of Conservation Breeding
- Conservation breeding programs have had some success in hatching and raising Great Indian Bustard chicks
- However, the long-term viability of captive-bred birds and their ability to adapt to the wild remain uncertain
- Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of conservation breeding in saving the species
Community Involvement
- Ensuring the active participation and support of local communities is crucial for the success of Great Indian Bustard conservation
- Conflicting land-use interests can make it challenging to involve local communities in conservation efforts
- Finding a balance between the needs of the local communities and the protection of the Great Indian Bustard is essential
Open dialogue and collaboration between conservationists, government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders are crucial in overcoming these challenges.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Save the Great Indian Bustard
To save the Great Indian Bustard from the brink of extinction, we need to take a multi-pronged approach. This approach should address the various threats faced by the species and involve all stakeholders in the conservation efforts.
1. Mitigating the Impact of Power Lines
One of the key steps in saving the Great Indian Bustard is to mitigate the impact of power lines on the species. This can be achieved by:
- Implementing bird-friendly power line designs
- Installing underground cabling in critical Great Indian Bustard habitats
- Using bird diverters on existing power lines to reduce the risk of collisions
2. Habitat Restoration and Protection
Protecting and restoring the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard is crucial for the long-term survival of the species. This involves:
- Identifying and securing key Great Indian Bustard habitats
- Restoring degraded grasslands and scrublands
- Preventing further habitat loss and fragmentation
3. Integrated Conservation Planning
To ensure the success of Great Indian Bustard conservation efforts, it is essential to develop comprehensive conservation plans that involve all stakeholders. This includes:
- Local communities living in and around Great Indian Bustard habitats
- Government agencies responsible for wildlife conservation and land management
- Conservation organizations working to protect the species
By involving all stakeholders and developing integrated conservation plans, we can create a more effective and sustainable approach to saving the Great Indian Bustard.
Final Thoughts
Saving the Great Indian Bustard from extinction is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. By implementing these measures and working together, we can give this magnificent bird a fighting chance.
It is our responsibility to protect the Great Indian Bustard and its habitats.