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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2020 · Q95 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to India's Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2026 · Q7 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596). 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. Which of the statements given above are correct? -
2023 · Q49 · General Studies · 2 marks
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese? -
2022 · Q84 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. 2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport. 3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2017 · Q95 · General Studies · 2 marks
Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?