An Emblem of the Grasslands
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), or GIB, is a large, majestic bird native to the Indian subcontinent. One of the heaviest flying birds in the world, it primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands and scrublands. Once widespread, its population has declined catastrophically in recent decades, pushing it to the brink of extinction.
This "Digital Explorer" delves into the world of the GIB, examining its ecological significance, the threats it faces, and the urgent conservation efforts underway. Understanding the GIB's plight is crucial not just for the species itself, but for the health of the unique grassland ecosystems it represents.
GIB: At a Glance
IUCN Red List
Critically Endangered – Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Legal Protection
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Highest level of legal protection in India.
CITES Status
Appendix I – Banning international trade in the species.
Estimated Population
Fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild (verify latest estimates).
Primary Stronghold
Thar desert region of Rajasthan (Desert National Park and surrounding areas).
Recovery Programme
Identified under MoEFCC's "Species Recovery Programme" for focused action.
Ecological Keystone
The GIB is more than just a bird; it's a vital indicator of the health of India's grassland ecosystems.
Flagship Species
Its presence signifies healthy, extensive grasslands. Conserving GIB helps protect entire grassland biodiversity.
Habitat Preference
Prefers open, arid/semi-arid grasslands and scrublands with scattered bushes. Avoids dense forests and heavily irrigated areas.
Omnivorous Diet
Feeds on insects (grasshoppers, beetles), small reptiles, rodents, seeds, grains, berries, and tender crop shoots.
Slow Breeding
Lays a single egg (rarely two) directly on open ground. Low breeding success due to predation and disturbance.
Shy Behavior
Wary birds. Males perform elaborate courtship displays. Females are primary caregivers for chicks.
Flight Adaptations
One of the heaviest flying birds, but has poor frontal vision, making it vulnerable to collisions.
Whispers of Decline: Threats to Survival
The catastrophic decline of the GIB is driven by a multitude of human-induced factors, acting individually and synergistically.
Habitat Loss & Degradation
- Agricultural Expansion: Conversion of grasslands into farmlands for cash crops and irrigation projects.
- Industrialization & Infrastructure: Mining, wind farms, solar parks, roads, power lines, canals, and urbanization fragmenting habitats.
- Overgrazing by Livestock: Degrades grassland quality, reduces food, and disturbs nesting sites.
- Inappropriate Afforestation: Planting non-native trees in grasslands alters the open habitat structure.
- Encroachment & Land Use Change: Altering traditional land use patterns vital for GIB.
Collision with Power Lines
A major cause of adult mortality. GIBs, being heavy birds with poor frontal vision, are highly susceptible to colliding with overhead power transmission lines, especially high-voltage ones traversing their habitats.
Critical Threat: This has emerged as one of the most significant direct threats to the remaining GIB population.
Hunting & Poaching
Though legally protected, occasional poaching for meat or sport still occurs. Historically, hunting was a significant factor in their decline across their range.
Predation & Disturbance
- Egg & Chick Predation: By foxes, jackals, mongooses, monitor lizards, crows, and feral dogs (whose populations may increase near human settlements). Open ground nesting makes them vulnerable.
- Human Disturbance: Agricultural operations, livestock movement, or human presence near nesting sites can lead to nest abandonment.
- Feral Dog Menace: Significant threat to GIB eggs, chicks, and even adult birds.
Pesticide Use
Indirect impact through consumption of insects contaminated with pesticides, potentially affecting reproduction and survival. Also reduces the insect prey base.
A Declining Trajectory
The Great Indian Bustard population has seen a dramatic decline over the decades. The following is a conceptual representation.
Conceptual GIB Population Trend
Note: Values are illustrative approximations based on historical estimates. Verify latest scientific data for precise figures.
A Race Against Time: Conservation Efforts
Recognizing the dire situation, various multi-pronged initiatives are underway to pull the GIB back from the brink.
Species Recovery Programme
MoEFCC prioritizes GIB for focused conservation actions for critically endangered species.
Project GIB (State Level)
Rajasthan leads with habitat protection, breeding enclosures, grassland restoration, monitoring, and community participation, especially around Desert National Park.
Habitat Protection
Declaration of Sanctuaries like Desert National Park, Karera WLS (MP), Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary (Maharashtra). Effective management is key.
Captive Breeding Programme
A critical "insurance" policy. Centers in Rajasthan (e.g., Sam) with WII, State Forest Dept., and international experts, collecting eggs for artificial incubation and rearing.
Mitigating Power Line Collisions
Supreme Court directives for undergrounding lines or installing bird flight diverters in GIB habitats. Cost and compliance are challenges.
Community Engagement
Involving local communities (e.g., Bishnois, Maldharis) through incentives, livelihood support, and awareness programs to build local support.
Research & Monitoring
Scientific studies on GIB ecology, threats, genetics. Population monitoring and satellite telemetry to track movements.
Judicial Intervention
The Supreme Court of India has played a vital role, especially in directing measures against power line threats.
Inter-State & International Cooperation
Need for coordination between states. Transboundary cooperation with Pakistan could be beneficial if populations persist or for migratory routes.
Case Study: Hope Takes Flight Conservation Breeding of GIB in Rajasthan
With wild populations dwindling, a state-of-the-art conservation breeding program, primarily in Rajasthan (near Desert National Park), offers a critical lifeline. This collaborative effort involves the Rajasthan Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), MoEFCC, and international experts.
The Process:
- Collection of eggs from high-risk wild nests.
- Artificial incubation under controlled conditions.
- Meticulous hand-rearing of chicks.
- Building a founder population for future breeding and reintroduction.
Progress & Challenges:
Successful hatching and rearing of chicks provide a glimmer of hope. The first generation of captive-bred birds is maturing.
Challenges include:
- Maintaining genetic diversity.
- Ensuring chicks learn natural behaviors.
- Long timeframes for this slow-breeding species.
- The ultimate goal: successful reintroduction into safe, restored wild habitats.
This initiative represents a last-ditch effort, blending scientific expertise with dedicated action to save this magnificent bird from extinction.
A Timeline of Concern
Mid-20th Century
GIB relatively widespread across western India and parts of Pakistan. Hunting prevalent.
1970s - 1980s
Significant population decline noted. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 offers legal protection. Early conservation discussions begin.
1994
IUCN status uplisted to Endangered, highlighting growing concerns.
2011
IUCN status critically revised to Critically Endangered due to rapid population drop and habitat loss.
2013 - Present
"Project Great Indian Bustard" launched by Rajasthan. MoEFCC includes GIB in Species Recovery Programme. Captive breeding efforts intensified. Supreme Court intervenes on power line issue (2019, 2021).
Why GIB Conservation is Critical
Saving the Great Indian Bustard is not just about preserving a single species; it's about safeguarding our natural heritage and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
- Flagship Species: Its survival is intrinsically linked to the health of India's threatened grassland ecosystems, home to many other unique flora and fauna.
- Ecological Role: GIBs play a part in controlling insect populations and aiding seed dispersal, contributing to ecosystem stability.
- Endemic Heritage: It's a unique part of India's natural heritage, found nowhere else in such numbers (historically).
- Ethical Imperative: There is a profound ethical responsibility to prevent the extinction of such a magnificent and iconic bird due to human actions.
- Indicator of Sustainability: The GIB's decline signals unsustainable land-use practices and developmental pressures that affect broader environmental health.
A healthy GIB population reflects a healthy grassland, benefiting all.
Academic Focus & Key Insights
The GIB conservation saga is a significant case study for environmental studies, public policy, and competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services.
Key Areas for Prelims
- IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Habitat: Arid/semi-arid grasslands (e.g., Thar, Desert NP)
- Major Threats: Habitat loss, power line collisions
- Conservation Measures: Project GIB, Captive Breeding, Supreme Court directives
Potential Themes for Mains (GS Paper III)
- Reasons for decline and conservation measures for endangered species (GIB as prime example).
- Challenges in grassland ecosystem conservation.
- Human-wildlife conflict in human-dominated landscapes.
- Role of judiciary and civil society in species conservation.
- Impact of infrastructure projects on biodiversity.
Example Question (Hypothetical):
"The 'Bird Flight Diverters' are primarily being installed in some regions of India to protect which of the following critically endangered birds?"
(a) Forest Owlet (b) Great Indian Bustard (c) Siberian Crane (d) Jerdon's Courser
Answer: (b) Great Indian Bustard
Broader Implications:
The GIB's struggle highlights the complex interplay between development, conservation, policy, and community action. Its future depends on sustained, scientifically-informed, and collaborative efforts.