Why is it in the news?
The captive breeding programme of Great Indian Bustard recorded new hatchings.
The total captive population has increased, supporting conservation efforts.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Great Indian Bustard is one of the most critically endangered birds in India.
● It is the state bird of Rajasthan and a flagship grassland species.
● It is one of four bustard species found in India.
● It is mainly found in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert with small populations in other states.
● It is vulnerable to power line collisions due to poor frontal vision.
● Conservation status includes IUCN Critically Endangered and Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act.
● Project GIB was launched in 2018 for species recovery.
● A breeding centre was established in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer in 2019.
● The project is implemented by MoEFCC, Wildlife Institute of India and Rajasthan government.