Great Indian Bustard

Great Indian Bustard Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed that Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has entered the fourth year of its captive breeding programme.

About Great Indian Bustard

• It is a large terrestrial bird endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
• Habitat: The bird is primarily found in dry grasslands and scrublands, which are rapidly declining due to agricultural expansion and development.
• Distribution: Its core population survives in the Thar Desert, mainly in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.

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Characteristics of Great Indian Bustard

• It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
• It has a horizontal body posture, long bare legs, and resembles an ostrich in appearance.
• Both sexes are similar in size, with the heaviest individuals reaching up to 15 kg (33 pounds).
• Life Span: The bird has a lifespan of 12–15 years.
• Diet: These birds are opportunist eaters. Their diet ranges widely depending on the seasonal availability of food. They feed on grass seeds, insects like grasshoppers and beetles, and sometimes even small rodents and reptiles.

Conservation Status of  Great Indian Bustard

• IUCN: Critically Endangered
• CITES: Appendix 1
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1

Source: PIB