The Rajasthan Forest Department recently conducted its annual waterhole survey in Jaisalmer district, revealing a count of 64 Great Indian Bustards (GIBs). This count has generated excitement and raised questions regarding the effectiveness of current conservation efforts.
The waterhole method involves observing and counting animals that visit a water source over a continuous 24-hour period during peak summer. This direct counting method is cost-effective and yields immediate results, although it does rely on the judgment of the enumerators. Despite its limitations, this method aids in understanding wildlife population trends over time.
Determining the increase or decrease in GIB numbers based on the current census is challenging, as the previous two years' surveys were canceled due to rainfall. However, effective habitat management by the forest department, along with contributions from local organizations and communities, has significantly enhanced protection and suitable habitats for the GIB.
The Thar region has witnessed increased rainfall in recent decades due to climate changes, which affects the distribution range of biodiversity. While this is not an immediate threat to the GIB, it does influence the native flora and fauna of the Thar region.
There has not been a comprehensive population estimate since 2018 when the Wildlife Institute of India suggested a maximum of 150 individuals. Currently, it is estimated that around 90-100 GIBs reside in Rajasthan, with four females in Gujarat and 5-8 individuals in the Deccan states. Given that six years have passed since the last estimate, an urgent reassessment of the GIB population is necessary, alongside expedited conservation efforts.
Q1. What is the current population of Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan?
Answer: The current population of Great Indian Bustards in Rajasthan is estimated to be around 90-100 individuals based on recent surveys.
Q2. How does the waterhole method work for counting wildlife?
Answer: The waterhole method involves counting animals that visit a water source over a continuous 24-hour period, providing immediate results on wildlife numbers.
Q3. What factors contribute to the conservation of Great Indian Bustards?
Answer: Effective habitat management by the Rajasthan Forest Department and support from local organizations and communities are key factors in conserving Great Indian Bustards.
Q4. How has climate change affected the GIB's habitat?
Answer: Climate change has led to increased rainfall in the Thar region, impacting the native flora and fauna, although it does not pose an immediate threat to the GIB.
Q5. When was the last comprehensive estimate of the GIB population conducted?
Answer: The last comprehensive population estimate for Great Indian Bustards was conducted in 2018, suggesting a maximum of 150 individuals.
Question 1: What is the primary method used for counting the Great Indian Bustard population?
A) Aerial survey
B) Waterhole method
C) Camera trapping
D) Satellite tracking
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What was the estimated population of Great Indian Bustards in 2018?
A) 100
B) 150
C) 200
D) 250
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which region has seen a change in biodiversity distribution due to climate change?
A) Himalayas
B) Thar Desert
C) Western Ghats
D) Indo-Gangetic Plain
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What role do local communities play in GIB conservation?
A) Hunting regulations
B) Habitat management
C) Tourism development
D) Research funding
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which organization conducted the recent GIB population survey?
A) Wildlife Institute of India
B) Rajasthan Forest Department
C) Ministry of Environment
D) National Biodiversity Authority
Correct Answer: B
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