Why in news
- Union Environment Ministry released two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- The release marks a transition in India's conservation strategy from captive breeding to active rewilding and wild habitat restoration.
Key terms
Rewilding
Process of reintroducing captive-bred or rescued animals into their historical natural habitats.
Indicator Species
An organism whose status provides information on the overall health of an ecosystem.
Conservation Breeding
Breeding threatened species in controlled environments to prevent extinction and preserve genetic diversity.
Desert National Park
Protected area in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan that holds the last primary wild habitat of the Great Indian Bustard.
What is the Great Indian Bustard Conservation Programme?
- Joint conservation initiative managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Rajasthan Forest Department, and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Operates a conservation-breeding facility at Sam in Desert National Park to build a viable captive population of the critically endangered species.
Key Developments in Rewilding
- Shifts focus from building an ex-situ breeding pool toward rewilding captive-born individuals to reinforce natural populations.
- Marks the first release of male bustards to study post-release movement, territory establishment, and survival in arid desert terrain.
Ecological Significance and Threats
- Great Indian Bustard serves as an umbrella species for dry grassland ecosystems, which are threatened by land conversion and linear infrastructure.
- Collisions with high-voltage overhead power lines represent the primary mortality factor, driving Supreme Court directives for power-line diversion and bird diverter installation.
Prelims facts
- Great Indian Bustard is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of WPA 1972.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate the ecological challenges confronting grassland conservation in India with specific reference to the Great Indian Bustard.
Source: PIB
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 · Q22 · General Studies · 2 marks
With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2026 · Q27 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2025 · Q30 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission: I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor, as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2023 · Q17 · GS III · 15 marks
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites.