The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird found mainly in India, has been in the news due to conservation efforts and challenges it faces …
- Wildlife officials in Rajasthan, India, achieved the first successful hatching of a Great Indian Bustard chick through artificial insemination in November 2024 . This breakthrough involved training a male to produce sperm without mating, which was then used to impregnate a female at another center . This opens up the possibility of creating a sperm bank .
- Following the initial success, several more chicks have been born through artificial insemination at breeding centers in Jaisalmer . In one notable instance in April 2025, three chicks hatched in a single day, with a total of four in one week .
- These successful hatchings have boosted the captive population of Great Indian Bustards in breeding centers . As of April 2025, the total population in two centers in Rajasthan reached 50 birds .
- In a rare sighting in January 2025, a group of 12 Great Indian Bustards was spotted in the wild in Rajasthan, which is seen as a positive sign for conservation efforts .
- In May 2025, nine Great Indian Bustard chicks were relocated from a conservation site near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan due to drone incursions and artillery fire . This action was taken to protect the vulnerable chicks from the disturbances .
the Great Indian Bustard faces significant threats:
- The bird’s habitat in Jaisalmer is being affected by the development of solar and wind energy farms .
- The birds have poor frontal vision, making them susceptible to colliding with overhead power lines .
- Increased human presence and resulting filth attract stray dogs that prey on the birds and their eggs .
- Birds raised in captivity can become imprinted on humans, which may reduce their ability to survive in the wild if released .
- The birds may be reducing their migration due to flying accidents, increasing the risk of inbreeding .
There is ongoing debate regarding the balance between renewable energy development and the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard . A Supreme Court judgment in April overturned a previous order to prioritize underground power cables in bustard habitats, citing the right to be free from climate change effects and the feasibility concerns for energy firms . The court has directed a committee to study the feasibility of underground lines and the effectiveness of bird diverters .
Conservationists emphasize the importance of preserving the natural habitat for the survival of the species . The critically endangered status of the Great Indian Bustard is recognized internationally, and it is protected under Indian law .for environment news click www.eminentnews.com
