The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is a magnificent bird native to the Indian subcontinent. With a wingspan of up to 8 feet and weighing around 15 kg, it is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. However, this majestic species is now critically endangered, with only around 150 individuals left in the wild. The primary causes of the decline in their population are habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.
Habitat Loss
The Great Indian Bustard’s natural habitat is grasslands and semi-arid regions of India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, due to rapid urbanization and agriculture, their habitat has been destroyed, fragmented, and degraded over the years. The species requires large open spaces to move around and breed, and the fragmentation of their habitat has resulted in the isolation of populations, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
Hunting
In addition to habitat loss, the Great Indian Bustard is also hunted for meat, sport, and feathers. The bird’s large size and slow movements make it an easy target for poachers. Hunting has also contributed to the decline in their population.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts are being made by the Indian government, conservation organizations, and local communities to protect the Great Indian Bustard from extinction. One of the most significant conservation efforts is the Draft Central Electricity Authority (Construction of Electric Lines in Great Indian Bustard Area) Regulations, 2023, which was issued recently by the Central Electricity Authority. These regulations aim to protect the bird’s habitat by bringing all electric lines of 33 kV and below passing via the Great Indian Bustard Area underground. Meanwhile, those above 33 kV will be overhead lines with bird flight diverts. This is a significant step towards minimizing the impact of human activities on the bird’s habitat.
Habitat Restoration
In addition to the regulations, conservation organizations are working towards habitat restoration for the Great Indian Bustard. Efforts include reforestation, restoring grasslands, and creating corridors between fragmented habitats to enable the bird to move around and breed freely.
Captive Breeding
Captive breeding is another approach to conserving the Great Indian Bustard. Several conservation organizations, including the Wildlife Institute of India, are working on captive breeding programs to increase the bird’s population. The aim is to release the captive-bred birds into the wild to increase their numbers.
Education Campaigns
Education campaigns are also an essential aspect of conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard. These campaigns aim to raise awareness among local communities about the bird’s ecological importance and the need to protect its habitat. Education campaigns also target poachers and hunters to discourage them from hunting the bird.
