Great Indian Bustard Population Shows Growth in Rajasthan
The latest census in Rajasthan's Desert National Park has revealed a promising increase in the population of the Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB), with numbers rising to 160. This positive development is attributed to dedicated conservation efforts, including habitat protection and measures to mitigate threats from power lines, offering a ray of hope for the species' survival.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
- It is the state bird of Rajasthan and one of the heaviest flying birds globally.
- The latest census in Rajasthan's Desert National Park indicates a population increase to 160 individuals, up from 140.
- Conservation efforts include predator-proof fencing, habitat improvement, and bird diverters on power lines.
- The Supreme Court of India has actively directed measures to protect GIBs, particularly regarding undergrounding power lines.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the 'Project Great Indian Bustard' in 2015.
- GIBs are primarily found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with Rajasthan holding the largest population.
- The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- The Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts is a crucial GIB habitat and hosts a conservation breeding centre.
Why In News
The recent release of the latest census data indicating a promising increase in the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) population in Rajasthan's Desert National Park has brought this critically endangered species back into the spotlight. This positive trend highlights the efficacy of ongoing conservation interventions and renews focus on India's efforts to protect its unique biodiversity.
Syllabus Connection
Students should revise the characteristics of critically endangered species, specific conservation strategies employed for flagship species, and the role of governmental and judicial interventions in wildlife protection in India.
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| What is GIB? | Critically Endangered bird, state bird of Rajasthan, one of heaviest flying birds. | Flagship species for grassland ecosystems; indicator of environmental health and conservation challenges. |
| Recent Development? | Population increase to 160 in Rajasthan's Desert National Park. | Efficacy of conservation models; impact of judicial intervention and multi-stakeholder collaboration. |
| Key Conservation Area? | Desert National Park (Jaisalmer, Barmer, Rajasthan). | Challenges of habitat protection in arid zones; human-wildlife coexistence in development corridors. |
| Major Threats? | High-voltage power lines, habitat loss, poaching, agricultural expansion. | Balancing infrastructure development with ecological sensitivity; policy gaps in land use planning. |
| Legal/Policy Status? | Critically Endangered (IUCN), Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972), Project GIB. | Effectiveness of legal frameworks; role of captive breeding and community participation in species recovery. |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 12–20 | Environment and Ecology is a separate section in UPSC Prelims. GS-III includes environment, climate change, and disaster management. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 3–5 | National parks, Ramsar sites, pollution levels, and climate summits appear in SSC GK. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 5–8 | State PCS papers test both central environment policy and state-specific conservation achievements. |
Key Facts to Remember: Great Indian Bustard Population Shows Growth in Rajasthan
- The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
- It is the state bird of Rajasthan and one of the heaviest flying birds globally.
- The latest census in Rajasthan's Desert National Park indicates a population increase to 160 individuals, up from 140.
- Conservation efforts include predator-proof fencing, habitat improvement, and bird diverters on power lines.
- The Supreme Court of India has actively directed measures to protect GIBs, particularly regarding undergrounding power lines.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the 'Project Great Indian Bustard' in 2015.
- GIBs are primarily found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with Rajasthan holding the largest population.
- The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- The Desert National Park in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts is a crucial GIB habitat and hosts a conservation breeding centre.
Practice Questions
Q1. The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is classified under which category by the IUCN Red List?
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Near Threatened
Explanation: The GIB faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, leading to its classification as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status underscores the urgent need for robust conservation interventions.
Q2. Which Indian state has adopted the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) as its state bird?
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Explanation: Rajasthan proudly recognizes the Great Indian Bustard as its state bird, reflecting the bird's significant presence and cultural importance within the state. The Desert National Park in Rajasthan is a primary habitat for the species.
Q3. Which of the following is a primary threat to the Great Indian Bustard, as highlighted by recent conservation efforts and judicial interventions?
- Agricultural pesticide use
- High-voltage power lines
- Climate change-induced drought
- Invasive alien species
Explanation: High-voltage power lines pose a significant threat to GIBs due to their poor frontal vision and heavy bodies, making them prone to collisions. The Supreme Court has specifically addressed this issue, advocating for bird diverters and undergrounding of lines.
Q4. The 'Project Great Indian Bustard' was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in which year?
- 2010
- 2015
- 2018
- 2020
Explanation: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched 'Project Great Indian Bustard' in 2015 with the aim of conserving the species through habitat improvement, captive breeding, and community participation. This initiative is crucial for the long-term survival of the GIB.
Q5. Which protected area in India is most famously associated with the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard?
- Ranthambore National Park
- Keoladeo Ghana National Park
- Desert National Park
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
Explanation: The Desert National Park, spanning Jaisalmer and Barmer districts in Rajasthan, is a critical stronghold for the Great Indian Bustard. It provides a vast, undisturbed grassland habitat essential for the species' survival and successful breeding.
How to Prepare Environment for Government Exams — Great Indian Bustard Population Shows Growth in R…
Ramsar sites and World Heritage Site additions are announced annually. Compile the year's additions — they are direct exam questions.
For UPSC, understand the international treaty context: Paris Agreement, CBD, CITES, Ramsar — know what each treaty does.
Climate news = policy news. Always note the government response to any environmental event — that's what UPSC Mains tests.
Related Current Affairs
Test Your Knowledge on Today's Current Affairs
10 questions · 10 minutes · Based on today's GK updates. See how prepared you really are.
Start Daily Quiz