The Great Indian Bustard, a species of bird endemic to India, is facing a significant decline in population. Currently, there are less than 150 Great Indian Bustards living across five states – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Unfortunately, its habitat is under severe threat due to hunting, agricultural developments, and the installation of renewable power projects. Meanwhile, in Netherlands, an artificial archipelago named as Marker Wadden Islands is being constructed on Europe’s largest freshwater lake, the Markermeer Lake. The construction aims to rejuvenate wildlife and enhance biodiversity in the area.
The Declining Population of the Great Indian Bustard
The population of the Great Indian Bustard has decreased drastically, with less than 150 of them remaining in India. Increasing threats from hunting, agricultural practices and ‘development’ activities have significantly contributed in shrinking their population.
Threats to the Great Indian Bustard
Hunting was once a common sport that targeted the Great Indian Bustards and, unfortunately, it still prevails in some areas of the country. Their natural habitats, which are categorised as ‘wastelands’ like most grassland habitats in India, are being converted into agricultural fields. Expanding irrigation facilities are encroaching upon the birds’ habitats, leading to a spillover of agricultural land into these areas. Intensification of agriculture, including the use of pesticides, barbed-wire fences and the cultivation of new crops, is posing serious threats to the survival of these birds. Additionally, their grassland habitats are being used to install renewable power projects. The erection of new wind turbines and power lines is disrupting the flight of the Great Indian Bustards, who have poor frontal vision and heavy bodies.
| Threat | Impact |
|---|---|
| Hunting | Decrease in population. |
| Agriculture | Habitat loss and exposure to pesticides. |
| Development | Disruption of flight due to wind turbines and power lines. |
The Markermeer Lake and the Marker Wadden Islands
Markermeer Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe, is located in the Netherlands. It is currently undergoing a transformation with the construction of an artificial archipelago, named the Marker Wadden Islands. The creation of these islands aims to enhance the biodiversity in the region. The sediment in the lake is being used for their construction, which is expected to result in the formation of a unique ecosystem that will attract and promote wildlife in the area.
