Why in news
- Union Environment Minister released the Gujarat Action Plan for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation at Bhuj, Kachchh.
- The plan targets securing a minimum viable population of over 30 birds and restoring core semi-arid grassland habitats.
Key terms
Minimum Viable Population
The smallest isolated population size required for a species to sustain itself without facing extinction from genetic drift.
Landscape-Level Conservation
An ecosystem-based management approach that integrates ecological needs across broad geographic areas comprising varied land uses.
What is the Great Indian Bustard?
- Ardeotis nigriceps is a large ground-nesting bird endemic to the dry grasslands of the Indian subcontinent.
- Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Primary habitat threats include land-use conversion, invasive species encroachment, and collision with high-tension powerlines.
Key Provisions of the Conservation Action Plan
- Prepared jointly by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Gujarat Forest Department.
- Focuses immediately on the 200 sq. km. Lala-Rawa landscape in Kachchh to secure 200–500 sq. km. of contiguous safe habitat.
- Combines predator management, removal of invasive flora, regulated grazing schedules, and infrastructure hazard mitigation.
Why it matters
- Shifts conservation policy from isolated species preservation to landscape-level semi-arid grassland ecosystem restoration.
- Directly targets one of the last remaining isolated wild populations of GIB outside Rajasthan.
Prelims facts
- Great Indian Bustard is endemic to grassland ecosystems and listed under Schedule I of WPA 1972.
Mains discussion
- Discuss the challenges of balancing renewable energy infrastructure expansion with the protection of threatened avifauna like the GIB.
Source: PIB English
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2018 · Q54 · UPPGS
Which of the following is NOT an example of in- situ conservation strategy? -
2025 · Q39 · UPPGS
With reference to Municipalities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The eligible age to be a member of municipality is 25 years. 2. One-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in the municipalities is reserved for women. Select the correct answer from the code given below: -
2025 · Q93 · UPPGS
With reference to Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (MISHTI), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It was initiated in 2019. 2. It aims to restore Mangrove forests. Select the correct answer from the code given below: -
2021 · Q3 · UPPGS
Which of the following is NOT the eligibility criterion before filling registration/ application forms for Uttar Pradesh Mukhya Mantri Swarojgar Yojna 2021? -
2021 · Q117 · UPPGS
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) : and other as Reason (R): Assertion (A): The Council of Ministers in India is collectively responsible to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Reason (R): Members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are eligible to become Ministers in Union Government. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.