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.
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
Last updated on Sep, 2026
→ UPSC 2027 Notification will be released on 13 January 2027 at upsconline.nic.in.
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus here.
→ Download UPSC Model Answers for Mains 2026
→ UPSC Mains Question Paper 2026 is out now for Essay & GS Paper 1, 2, 3 & 4.
→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.
→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
Great Indian Bustard FAQs
Q1. Which state in India has the largest population of Great Indian Bustards?+
Q2. What is the Great Indian Bustard's habitat?+
Tags: Great Indian Bustard prelims pointers upsc current affairs upsc prelims current affairs
