Indian Conservationists Celebrate Advances in Great Indian Bustard Preservation

With the hatching of a great Indian bustard chick through artificial insemination, conservationists are hopeful in their efforts to revive the dwindling population of this native bird. Despite pressing challenges such as habitat loss and human intervention, collaborative initiatives are underway to ensure a sustainable future for this iconic species.

In a hopeful stride toward conserving a critically endangered species, Indian wildlife officials have celebrated a significant breakthrough involving the great Indian bustard. This majestic bird native primarily to Rajasthan, India, has recently witnessed the hatching of its first chick conceived through artificial insemination. This milestone was achieved in one of two breeding centers located in Jaisalmer city.

Last month, the remarkable achievement took place when a lone male bustard was trained to produce sperm without mating, which was then used to successfully impregnate an adult female situated about 200 kilometers away. Officials emphasized that this development provides the groundwork for establishing a sperm bank, a step crucial for bolstering the population of this once-abundant avian species.

The great Indian bustard, which once thrived across 11 Indian states, has seen its population dwindle dramatically from over 1,000 in the 1960s to merely around 150 today. Much of the remaining population can be found near Jaisalmer, where conservationists are urging authorities to shield their habitats from encroachment, particularly from renewable energy enterprises. This presents a unique conundrum for officials trying to balance development and conservation.

Sumit Dookia, a conservation ecologist, notes that despite being less recognized than the national bird of India, the peacock, the bustard is equally magnificent. These birds, weighing between 15 to 18 kilograms, hold a pivotal role in the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. Yet, traits such as poor frontal vision and ground-nesting habits render them particularly susceptible to threats like power line collisions and predation.

The ongoing loss of habitat due to solar and wind energy farms has exacerbated their plight, prompting an increased incidence of fatal accidents. Urban expansion has introduced additional threats, including stray dog populations that prey on the bustards and their eggs.

Faced with these challenges, the government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, established two conservation breeding centers to revitalize the bustard population. Currently, 45 birds reside across these centers, with hopes of eventually releasing them into the wild. However, experts warn that these attempts will face significant hurdles, as human imprinting compromises the survival instincts crucial for life in the wild.

The nesting habits of the great Indian bustard also complicate conservation efforts. These birds typically lay just one egg at a time and require significant parental care, which, coupled with poor survival rates in the wild, has left their numbers perilously low. Researchers are also noting a halt in migratory behaviors, potentially linked to habitat fragmentation and increasing collision risks.

Conservationists stress that ensuring the survival of the great Indian bustard necessitates preserving its natural habitat. However, recent Supreme Court rulings have raised alarm among environmental advocates. In contrasting interests between wildlife conservation and renewable energy development, the court has indicated that relocating power lines underground may not be financially feasible. This decision has emboldened corporate interests but garnered criticism from ecologists, who believe it disregards essential biodiversity and conservation needs.

Mr. Dookia elaborates on the allure for renewable energy firms in Rajasthan, highlighting that the economic benefits must be weighed against the long-term ecological impacts. Without decisive action to protect both the great Indian bustard and its habitat, experts warn that both wildlife and human interests may remain in jeopardy.