The Sam Conservation Centre in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has made headlines with a significant achievement—hatching the first captive-bred Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick of 2025 on March 9th. This event marks a pivotal moment in conservation efforts, especially following the successful hatching of a chick through artificial insemination at the same facility.
The Great Indian Bustard is classified as critically endangered. This status is primarily due to low birth rates, habitat destruction, poaching, and dangerous collisions with power transmission lines. Current estimates suggest that only about 150 individuals exist in the wild, highlighting the urgency of conservation initiatives.
The recent chick was conceived when a 4-year-old female named Rewa mated with a male GIB named Leo. After laying the egg, it was artificially incubated by the Project GIB team at the Sam Conservation Centre, ensuring optimal conditions for hatching.
Artificial incubation plays a crucial role in the survival of GIB chicks. This method involves human intervention to incubate fertilized eggs under controlled conditions, which significantly increases the survival rate of the chicks compared to natural incubation.
Since its inception in 2019, the Sam Conservation Centre has successfully bred 45 Great Indian Bustard chicks, with 15 of these being artificially bred since 2023. Among these, one chick has been produced through artificial insemination, demonstrating the center's innovative breeding techniques.
The conservation breeding program at the Jaisalmer center comprises three main components: artificial insemination, captive breeding, and artificial incubation of wild eggs. These methods aim to bolster the dwindling population of the Great Indian Bustard.
Artificial breeding refers to the complete breeding process of the birds in captivity, from fertilization to incubation. In contrast, artificial incubation involves collecting fertilized eggs from the wild and incubating them at the center.
With a slow breeding rate, the Great Indian Bustard lays only one egg per year, which is vulnerable to various threats in the wild. Conservation breeding aims to improve survival rates and ensure the species does not face extinction.
The decline in Great Indian Bustard populations can be attributed to several factors, including low birth rates, poaching, habitat loss, and collisions with overhead power lines, especially near solar power plants.
The Indian government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, initiated the conservation breeding program in 2019 at the Sam Conservation Centre. The Supreme Court has also been involved in supporting these efforts.
The Sam Conservation Centre is equipped with advanced facilities, including artificial incubators, hatchers, and specialized housing for chicks. Initially focused on incubating wild eggs, the center now also facilitates the incubation of eggs laid in captivity.
The first chick hatched through artificial insemination, named Arambh, is a landmark achievement. This breakthrough showcases the center's advanced breeding techniques and potential for future conservation successes.
The conservation breeding program is set to continue for at least another five years, backed by a grant of Rs 77 crore from the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). Future plans include rewilding efforts aimed at reintroducing GIBs into their natural habitats by 2027.
The GIB's lateral vision, with eyes positioned on the sides of its head, complicates its ability to avoid obstacles like live wires. This characteristic increases the risk of collisions, further endangering the species.
Q1. What recent achievement did the Sam Conservation Centre reach regarding Great Indian Bustards?
Answer: The Sam Conservation Centre hatched the first captive-bred Great Indian Bustard chick of 2025 on March 9th, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts.
Q2. Why are Great Indian Bustards considered critically endangered?
Answer: They face threats from low birth rates, habitat destruction, poaching, and collisions with power lines, with only about 150 individuals remaining in the wild.
Q3. How does artificial incubation benefit Great Indian Bustard chicks?
Answer: Artificial incubation ensures a controlled environment for fertilized eggs, leading to higher survival rates for the chicks compared to natural methods.
Q4. What are the main components of the conservation breeding program?
Answer: The program consists of artificial insemination, captive breeding, and artificial incubation of wild eggs to help increase the GIB population.
Q5. What plans does the conservation program have for the future?
Answer: The program aims to begin rewilding efforts by 2027, with the goal of reintroducing Great Indian Bustards into their natural habitats.
Question 1: What is the current estimated population of Great Indian Bustards in the wild?
A) 50
B) 150
C) 200
D) 300
Correct Answer: B
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