Great Indian Bustards (GIBs)

About Great Indian Bustard: 

• It is a bustard found on the Indian subcontinent. 
• It is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
• Habitat: It inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands.
• Distribution: It is found mainly in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan that holds about 100 individuals. Also found in the arid regions of Maharashtra (Solapur), Karnataka (Bellary and Haveri) and Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool)
• Features:
  • It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long, bare legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance. 
  • The sexes are roughly the same size, with the largest individuals weighing 15 kg (33 pounds). 
  • It can easily be distinguished by its black crown on the forehead, contrasting with the pale neck and head.
  • The body is brownish, and the wings are marked with black, brown, and grey.
  • They breed mostly during the monsoon season, when females lay a single egg on open ground. 
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years
• These birds are opportunistic 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:
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection)Act,1972: Schedule 1
  • CITES: Appendix 1

Q1: What is the International Union for Conservation of Nature?

It is a global organization composed of governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts dedicated to conserving nature and promoting sustainability. Its primary role involves assessing the conservation status of species, providing data and analysis on the state of biodiversity worldwide, and offering guidance and frameworks for conservation efforts.

Source: Just 150 left, glimmer of hope for great Indian bustard after first-ever artificial insemination birth in Jaisalmer