Rajasthan: Great Indian Bustard Conservation Efforts Get A Huge Boost With Birth Of Chick. Here's How

Rajasthan has successfully employed a new artificial insemination technique to boost the Great Indian Bustard conservation efforts, resulting in the birth of a healthy chick.

In a big boost to the conservation efforts for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, Rajasthan has been successful in employing a new artificial insemination technique. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma informed that the remarkable success was achieved at the artificial breeding centre in Jaisalmer under the 'Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Programme'. The programme aims to prevent the extinction of Rajasthan's state bird Great Indian Bustard and increase its numbers. 

"A historic achievement has been made in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Significant success has been achieved in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard species which is continuously moving towards extinction, where a healthy chick has been born through the new technique of artificial insemination," he posted on X.

"This unprecedented achievement will prove to be an important milestone in the direction of Great Indian Bustard conservation. Congratulations and best wishes to all the scientists, forest department officers and employees associated with this innovative project for their tireless and commendable efforts," CM Sharma added.

Great Indian Bustard On IUCN Red List

The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Recognised as the state bird of Rajasthan, this large terrestrial bird stands approximately 1 metre tall and weighs between 15 to 18 kg. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. It thrives in open grasslands and scrublands, where it feeds on a varied diet that includes seeds, insects, and small mammals.

The Great Indian Bustard is characterised by its distinctive black crown and pale neck, with males exhibiting a more pronounced black breast band during mating season.

Historically, the Great Indian Bustard roamed across several states in India and parts of Pakistan. However, its population has drastically declined to fewer than 150, primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion, hunting, and collisions with power lines. In 2021, Pakistan granted permission to Arab dignitaries to hunt the Great Indian Bustard.

The bird is listed as 'Critically Endangered' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.