Historic Success in Great Indian Bustard Conservation Efforts

Recent conservation breakthroughs in Rajasthan bring optimism for the great Indian bustard, although human encroachment poses significant challenges for the species' survival.

In a landmark achievement for conservationists, a great Indian bustard chick was hatched via artificial insemination in Rajasthan, India, marking a critical milestone for this endangered species. Wildlife experts in Jaisalmer facilitated the first successful hatching, utilizing sperm collected from a male in one breeding center to fertilize an egg from a female located 200 kilometers away. This breakthrough not only highlights innovative conservation methods but also opens avenues for establishing a sperm bank to enhance genetic diversity.

Historically, the great Indian bustard faced drastic population declines, dwindling from over 1,000 individuals in the 1960s to roughly 150 today, mainly due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. Conservationists argue that protecting the bird's habitat in Rajasthan is vital, yet competition for land with renewable energy projects presents a persistent struggle.

As Sumit Dookia, a conservation ecologist, notes, the great Indian bustard, known as 'Godawan' in local parlance, is a significant part of Rajasthan's ecological landscape. However, its right-angled vision, suited for spotting predators, makes it susceptible to power lines, leading to fatal encounters.

Each female bustard only lays one egg annually, raising concerns when many face predation risk. To combat population decline, Rajasthan's state government, in partnership with the federal authorities and the Wildlife Institute of India, established breeding centers in 2018 and 2022, leading to the successful breeding of 45 birds, including the hatchling from artificial insemination.

While these initial efforts show promise, concerns loom regarding the habituation of these birds to humans. Many of the chicks are losing essential survival instincts vital for thriving in the wild. Additionally, their migration patterns have diminished, risking inbreeding as their genetic diversity decreases further.

In recent judicial rulings, the Supreme Court's directive against moving power cables underground, crucial for protecting the bustard's habitat, has left conservationists apprehensive. Experts like Debadityo Sinha emphasize the need for a balanced approach that reconciles environmental concerns with development, advocating for the use of existing models to safeguard fauna.

As the renewable energy sector pushes into Rajasthan's habitats, the fate of the great Indian bustard reflects broader environmental concerns linking wildlife conservation with sustainable development practices, making it imperative for all stakeholders to recognise the urgent need for habitat protection.