Understanding the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican Conservation

Understanding the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican

The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is a significant ground bird primarily found in Rajasthan. As one of the heaviest flying birds, it has been classified as Critically Endangered. This status arises from various threats, including habitat loss, collisions with power lines, hunting, and low reproductive success. Currently, fewer than a few hundred of these magnificent birds survive in the wild.

The Lesser Florican: A Unique Grassland Bird

The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) is a small, endangered bird that thrives in grassland ecosystems. Renowned for its exceptional vertical leaping displays during the monsoon, it faces critical endangerment due to extensive grassland destruction and declining breeding habitats. Estimates suggest that fewer than 250 individuals remain in the wild.

Challenges in Conservation

Both the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican encounter similar challenges, which include:

• Loss of native grassland habitats due to agricultural expansion and urban development.
• Collisions with electric transmission lines that pose a significant threat.
• Very low breeding success rates in their natural habitats.
• Limited public awareness and insufficient enforcement of protective measures.

Conservation Efforts for the Great Indian Bustard

In 2019, the Indian government initiated a dedicated Bustard Recovery Programme. Key actions include:

• Collecting eggs from the wild for captive breeding purposes.
• Raising birds at conservation centers, such as the Ramdeva Centre in Jaisalmer and Sam Centre.
• Breeding a total of 62 birds, with 18 produced through artificial insemination.
• Shifting nine chicks to Ajmer on May 9, 2025, to establish a second, safer breeding site due to recent military tensions along the Pakistan border.

Relocation of GIB Chicks to Ajmer

Ajmer’s Arwar village was selected for relocating the GIB chicks because:

• It is situated far from conflict zones.
• It already hosts a conservation center for the Lesser Florican.
• Expert handlers and veterinary support are available.
• It provides a secure environment for delicate conservation efforts.

The Lesser Florican Conservation Breeding Centre

Located in Arwar village, this center is India’s first dedicated breeding facility for the Lesser Florican. Established by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Rajasthan Forest Department, it achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by successfully hatching 11 chicks in captivity. This success represents a crucial step towards reversing the species' decline and serves as a model for other grassland bird conservation initiatives.

Long-term Vision for Conservation

The future strategy includes:

• Establishing secure and well-equipped breeding centers.
• Considering the release of captive-bred birds into the wild once populations stabilize.
• Raising public awareness about the importance of grassland conservation.
• Implementing robust policies to mitigate threats like electric line hazards.

Reflecting India’s Conservation Strategy

These conservation projects highlight a shift in India towards:

• Science-based captive breeding initiatives.
• Protection of grassland ecosystems.
• Collaboration among multiple agencies, including WII and state governments.
• Utilizing advanced breeding techniques, such as artificial insemination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the primary threats to the Great Indian Bustard?
Answer: The Great Indian Bustard faces threats from habitat loss, power line collisions, hunting, and low breeding success rates. These factors contribute to its Critical Endangered status.

Q2. Why is the Lesser Florican considered endangered?
Answer: The Lesser Florican is endangered due to the destruction of grassland habitats and declining breeding grounds, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining in the wild.

Q3. What conservation efforts are being made for these birds?
Answer: Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs, habitat protection, and public awareness campaigns to address the challenges these species face in the wild.

Q4. How does the relocation of GIB chicks benefit conservation?
Answer: Relocating GIB chicks to safer locations like Ajmer helps mitigate risks from conflict zones and allows for better breeding and conservation management.

Q5. What is the long-term vision for conserving these species?
Answer: The long-term vision focuses on creating secure breeding centers, raising public awareness, and implementing policies to protect grassland habitats from threats.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard?
A) Least Concern
B) Endangered
C) Critically Endangered
D) Vulnerable
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: Which state is primarily home to the Great Indian Bustard?
A) Gujarat
B) Rajasthan
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the main reason for the endangerment of the Lesser Florican?
A) Climate change
B) Habitat destruction
C) Pollution
D) Invasive species
Correct Answer: B