The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is one of India’s largest flying birds, endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits open grasslands and scrublands, mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and is easily identified by its black crown and distinctive booming mating call.
IUCN Status & Legal Protection
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered, due to a small and rapidly declining population.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I, offering the highest level of legal protection in India.
- CITES & CMS: Included in Appendix I of both conventions, ensuring strict international protection.
Thus, the GIB receives comprehensive protection under both national and global frameworks.
India’s Conservation Efforts
The Government of India launched the “Bustard Recovery Programme” in 2016 (extended to 2029) to conserve and breed the species. The initiative includes:
- Captive breeding centres in Rajasthan (Sam and Ramdevra, Jaisalmer), which incubate and rear chicks for release into the wild.
- Habitat management through grassland restoration and reduction of human disturbance.
- Supreme Court directives mandating the undergrounding of power lines or installation of bird diverters to prevent collisions.
Recent Developments
- A pilot egg replacement programme began in Desert National Park, where real eggs are incubated under controlled conditions to improve hatchling survival.
- An expert committee recommended expanding the priority habitat area for GIB in Rajasthan by over 850 km².
- In April 2025, three GIB chicks were relocated to a new breeding centre in Ramdevra from Sudasari, showing progress in active species management.
Challenges
- Habitat loss and fragmentation: The GIB’s range has reduced from 11 states to a few pockets.
- Power line collisions: Its poor lateral vision makes it highly vulnerable to high-tension wires.
- Infrastructure conflicts: Expansion of renewable energy projects in the Thar and Kutch regions threatens critical habitats.
- Genetic risks: Small population size increases the risk of inbreeding.
- Inter-state gaps: Conservation efforts outside Rajasthan remain limited.
Way Forward
- Preserve large, contiguous grassland ecosystems free from linear infrastructure.
- Expand habitat restoration with native vegetation and sustainable grazing practices.
- Enhance inter-state coordination to support population connectivity.
- Mandate bird-safe infrastructure—underground cables, diverters, and exclusion zones.
- Promote community participation and public–private partnerships in grassland management.
- Use modern technology (drones, GPS tracking) for population monitoring.
- Integrate grassland conservation into national climate and biodiversity goals.
Conclusion
The Great Indian Bustard symbolizes India’s vanishing grassland ecosystems. While recent initiatives and legal protections offer hope, urgent and coordinated action is essential to prevent extinction. For UPSC aspirants, the GIB serves as an excellent case study in the balance between development and ecological sustainability.